_thou, too_, my son!

 

--DANIEL WEBSTER.

 

Be careful not to over-inflect. Too much modulation produces an unpleasant

effect of artificiality, like a mature matron trying to be kittenish. It is a

short step between true expression and unintentional burlesque. Scrutinize your

own tones. Take a single expression like "Oh, no!" or "Oh, I see," or "Indeed,"

and by patient self-examination see how many shades of meaning may be expressed

by inflection. This sort of common-sense practise will do you more good than a

book of rules. _But don't forget to listen to your own voice._

 

QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES

 

1. In your own words define (a) cadence, (b) modulation, (c) inflection, (d)

emphasis.

 

2. Name five ways of destroying monotony and gaining effectiveness in speech.

 

3. What states of mind does falling inflection signify? Make as full a list as

you can.

 

4. Do the same for the rising inflection.

 

5. How does the voice bend in expressing (_a_) surprise? (_b_) shame? (_c_)