If we could see ourselves when preaching, if we could hear ourselves as others bear us, in some cases at least, great improvement might result in voice control, facial expression, and pulpit conduct. It may be profitable to recall a few of the most glaring hindrances to effective speaking. A sincere smile and a pleasant voice are much easier on the audience than a forced grin for a smile, and raucous screaming for emphasis.
With some there seems to he a lack of power to synchronize the thought with the facial expression and voice. The face seems to be saying one thing and the words something else. To smile when speaking of sin, sorrow, and death, to frown when speaking of the glories of the new earth as though the very thought gave the speaker pain; to use strained facial contortions such as are sometimes seen, is to detract from the force of the message presented. Such mannerisms hardly correspond to the beauty and dignity of the gospel. They leave a distinct impression of insincerity with the hearers. An audience thus distracted can retain little of benefit no matter how ably the sermon was prepared.
If only a sound film could be taken unknown to faulty speakers, it might help them to see and hear themselves in a true light. Rehearsing before a mirror might surprise some, and cause them to try to correct unpleasant traits. And this also applies to singers and choir leaders. Why should a choir leader afflict the audience with the impression that he is in mortal agony ? A smile is much more pleasant and impressive.
There are many kinds of voices. One is friendly and pleasant to listen to, another puts us to sleep, another is noisy and vehement, and hurts our ears and our sense of propriety. This is the method of the politician who substitutes noise for thought. If no one else has the courage to tell such a speaker about his shortcomings, then his wife should do so. Some may listen to such a speaker because of his official position, but they are always glad when he sits down. Of Christ it was written that "He was earnest, rather than vehement." _"The Desire of Ages," p. 253.
Through the radio we may hear many different voices. The words of a speaker may be 'important, but no one listens long to an unpleasant voice. But how we wish some speakers would continue longer, We are told that much of the character is revealed in the voice. "When we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God's love."—p. 297. If we are to be mouthpieces for God and angels, how important that the sacred message be not marred by the revelation in our voices of a character not wholly devoted to God.
It is not only what we say, but how we say it, that counts. Strange fire in word or voice may entirely defeat the object of the message God would give through us. A singer whose voice was as defective as that of some speakers would hardly be allowed to sing in public. The same cultivation on the part of the speaker as is required of a singer would soon make many speakers easier to listen to, and much more effective in conveying God's message to the people.
