The fourth chapter is Forming the Elements of speech. The pupil in his
study at first considers the various aspects of the whole subject which
has been presented. At this point the aim is to impart each separate
thought of the various aspects of the subject. In this chapter of
Forming the Elements, the pupil’s mind being dominated by the desire to
place each thought separately and distinctly in the minds of his
hearers, the vocal organs act with great exactness and precision, and in
more and more perfect relation with each other. By repeated drill in
seeking to fix the attention of the hearers upon each thought, great
distinctness of utterance is gained, and the elements of speech become
more beautifully and accurately formed.
In Animation we put such thoughts before the student as shall make the
tones open and free and full of nerve energy; in Smoothness we give such
objects of thought as shall make him sustain the tones; in Volume we
give thoughts that will guide the stream of tone through the vocal tube
without interference; and in Forming the Elements we help the student by
putting such objects of thought before him in connection with the text
as shall enable him to concentrate the mind upon each separate idea.