Chapter III: Inventory of Speech Efficiency

Before proceeding further, let us estimate our speech efficiency. Every conscientious person can determine the strong and weak points of his speech by asking himself a few questions. Some, more sensitive than others, will very likely magnify their weaknesses and minimize their commendable qualities. Be that as it may, the vast majority will give a fair rating to both good and bad vocal habits.

This personal consultation with yourself may take a long or a short time. Some are quick to see faults in themselves—and probably slow to correct them; still others are slow to see their own errors and probably never will correct them; but all careful and honest students will discover at once where they are lacking in the proper management of voice, and will proceed to overcome their difficulties.

In rating speech efficiency it is well to make use of the common questionnaire plan. The questions fall under two separate heads, namely, the Knowing and the Doing.

THE KNOWING

1. Do I realize that I use my voice almost constantly?

2. Do I realize that success in business or society depends largely upon the convincing power of speech?

3. Do I realize how much of my speech is of no avail?

4. Do I realize the vital importance of _inflection_ and the influence it has upon those who hear me?

5. Do I realize the great delight that comes through the mastery of correct vocal usage?

6. Do I realize that it is unnecessary to have a tired throat at the end of the day?

7. Do I realize that in a very large degree a pleasing personality depends upon a pleasing voice?

8. Do I realize that by attaining convincing power of speech I am promoting my efficiency?

THE DOING

1. Do I talk more than is necessary?

2. Do I pitch my voice too high?

3. Do I speak with a tense, set jaw and use a hard, metallic tone?

4. Do I talk in my throat instead of in my mouth?

5. Do I continually talk on the same key?

6. Do I talk too fast, or too slow, or too loud, or too low?

7. Do I use my voice as a medium by which I give vent to anger or displeasure?

8. Do I speak quietly and softly, and thus indicate culture and refinement?

9. Do I speak loudly in order to be persuasive?

10. Do I attract undue attention to my speech?

11. Do I enunciate with clearness and precision?

12. Do I harmonize tone with mood?

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More items could be placed under these two headings, but the above are sufficient to bring the student face to face with his speech difficulties. We must know wherein we lack speech efficiency before we can remedy the lack. The following chapters present adequate exercises for needed improvement.