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?
* * * * *
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.