Speech is communication of thought and one purpose is to set up friendly relations among people. It is well for all to think about the effect that your voice and manner of speaking have on those you are associated with.
First the children.
Perhaps without realizing it, you might be contributing to some of your children's problems. Psychologists tell us that if you greet your child in a shrill, angry voice, Eg. "Don't slam that door! Go back and wipe your feet!" has very likely made the child feel like slamming the door again and never come back home. A train of feelings of resentment in the child and has contributed to nervous tension in that child.
A child's speech will reflect the kind of speech that is heard at home. It may gratify or embarrass the parents. If this was not a fact, all children would speak alike. If your example is poor, don't expect good from your child. You are molding his behavior. Does huskiness obscure the vitality of your words? Is your voice so sweet, that what you say sounds insincere? One mother was told that her voice attributed to her son's resentment and disobedience. Recording your conversations might be an eye - opener.
The affect of your voice on your spouse and friends.
Even though we may not be aware of it, our voices give impressions of us, either for good or bad. Our mood is usually reflected in our voices. If we are happy will be fairly thrill with joy. If sad, the tears can almost be heard. An optimist will sound cheerful, a pessimist mournful and sad. The whining, nagging woman may gradually drive the happiness of her home away. Kind words of appreciation will do more to keep family and friends happy than any amount of criticism or nagging will ever do.
Causes of poor speech.
This may be due to various factors or combination of causes. Nervous people are inclined to speak so rapidly, that they can't be understood. This is because they run their words together. Their articulation is lazy and indistinct. They need to move their lips and tongue to move together in order to make the sounds properly. Leaving off sounds from endings of words makes for poor, uncultured speech. Another common practice is sound substitution. Words such as idea for ider, little for lille, butter to buder etc.
A pleasant voice helps to make a pleasing personality. The person with a vibrant voice is filled with enthusiasm and warmth. Knowing how to be a good listener in a conversation is another important part of speech. So let us get our recorders ready and test ourselves.
Some advice: Remember Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.
Sources : RS Magazine : attribution to Myrtle E Henderson, Own content, Pixabay
