A PERSON asked to speak in public usu ally gives careful thought as to what he will say. Often overlooked, however, is the importance of how it will be said. No matter how careful the preparation has been, how highly polished every sentence, if the congregation fails to hear or understand the message, it amounts to less than nothing. Not only do they miss what is said, but often become irritated because of it.
In our last column we spoke of the pastoral prayer and of the importance of its being offered in an audible way so that all might hear. This is true in all public utterances. Consider the announcements. The usual announcements should of course appear in the church bulletin and not be repeated from the pulpit, except in cases where special emphasis may be needed. But when spoken, how important that the words be spoken clearly and distinctly!
The local elder may also be the lay activities leader. Here again, not only content, but clarity, is important. During the lay activities period members are called upon to share their experiences or offer their testimonies. But how often the participants fail to speak out as they should!
Ellen White has said:
There are many who read or speak in so low or so rapid a manner that they cannot be readily understood. Some have a thick, indistinct utterance; others speak in a high key, in sharp, shrill tones, that are painful to the hearers. Texts, hymns, and the reports and other papers presented before public assemblies are sometimes read in such a way that they are not understood and often so that their force and impressiveness are destroyed. This is an evil that can and should be corrected. --Christ's Object Lessons, p. 335.
The Spirit of Prophecy has given good guidance in these matters. Ellen White writes:
Let the voices of the followers of Christ be so trained that instead of crowding words together in a thick, indistinct way, their utterance may be clear, forcible, and edifying. Do not let the voice fall after each word, but keep it up so that each sentence will be full and complete. --Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 246.
It is also important that the speaker put enthusiasm and spirit into what he says. The way the announcements are made, the lay activities program conducted, the hymns announced or prayers offered can either add interest and blessing to the service, or can deaden it.
We are told:
One half the interest in a meeting is killed when the participants do their part in an indifferent, spiritless fashion. They should learn to speak in such a way that they can edify those who listen. Let everyone connected with missionary work qualify himself to speak in a clear, attractive way, enunciating his words perfectly. --Ibid., pp. 246, 247.
Speak Out, Not Up
It is a misconception that one must "speak up" in order to be heard. Doing so may add discomfort and distress to both speaker and listener. Speaking up imposes a strain on the voice with a correspondingly bad effect on proper breathing control and enunciation.
Rather than "speaking up" the speaker should "speak out." Speaking out instead of up implies the proper projection of the voice. It may not have to do with loudness at all. A request to speak louder will often result in speaking higher. But a loud voice need not be a high one. When properly projected from the abdomen, rather than forced from the throat, any pitch of voice can be employed with varying degrees of force.
Concerning voice culture, Mrs. White states:
The training of the voice has an important place in physical culture, since it tends to expand and strengthen the lungs, and thus to ward off disease. To ensure correct delivery in reading and speaking, see that the abdominal muscles have full play in breathing and that the respiratory organs are unrestricted. Let the strain come on the muscles of the abdomen rather than on those of the throat. . . . Careful attention should be given to securing distinct articulation, smooth, well-modulated tones, and a not-too-rapid delivery. --Education, p. 199.
The P.A. System
In our electronic age public address systems are often used, even in the smaller churches. When this is the case, the microphone should be checked out before the service begins. It is very distracting for the speaker to step up to the microphone, tap on it a few times to see if it is functioning properly, call for adjustment, and then proceed. Much better to know beforehand that all is in functioning order. And fortunate is the church that has a good, experienced operator at the P.A. controls. Special words of appreciation for his work are often in order.
A microphone, even though properly adjusted, cannot, however, solve every hearing problem. It still becomes necessary for the speaker to speak out and to do so with clarity. He may be heard, and yet not understood. All the mechanical device can do is transmit what it receives. It does not have the additional power of making good the deficiencies existing in the delivery. No matter how far it may carry the voice, it cannot correct the faults. Therefore, distinctness of utterance is absolutely essential whether or not a microphone is used.
Shouting will never overcome acoustical difficulties. Rather, it makes clear and easy enunciation impossible. An even-toned delivery combined with deliberately careful enunciation will do most to assure the message being both heard and understood.
Many an elder has shrunk from his assignments with a feeling that he just hasn't the voice training or education necessary to function adequately in such an important position in the church. But do not despair. The servant of the Lord assures us:
By diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intelligibly, and to speak in a full, clear, round tone, in a distinct and impressive manner. —Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 335, 336.
It has been repeatedly demonstrated that audibility is an accomplishment within the attainment of every normal person who will take the trouble to acquire it. There fore, work at it with deliberate intent. Make it a matter of earnest prayer. Welcome every opportunity to speak in public and accept each as an opportunity for self-improvement. Plan carefully what is to be said; then consider just as carefully how the words can be most clearly formed and enunciated.
My prayer: Dear Lord, give me wisdom and self-discipline so that when called upon to speak before Thy people, I can do so clearly and effectively. May I cherish each opportunity to improve in my service for Thee. In Jesus' name, amen.
