Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-06-13
A SWEET, LOW VOICE.
THAT GREATEST OF CHARMS WHICH
AMERICAN WOMEN LACK.

They Are Noted For Loneliness, Which Is
Very Bad Trait-How the Speaking
Tones May Be Cuitivated-A school In
London Attended by Ladies.
The average American voice is not pleas
ant. One hears n great deal about the low,
sweet voiced daughters of the southern
states, but a statistical report would show
almost as much harshncss among that class
as among the western and eastern women.
1t may be that the cause is a result of
formative or climatic reasons-but the con-
dition remains an unpleasant fact II,
however, ii was such II potently deplorab!e
and grievously felt fact, there is no doubt
that the American woman could remedy it
TO q great extent.
Some claim that women of cities have an
unpleasant tone in speaking because tho
terrible noise of our streets compels them
to it, Tho continental cities have less
sound to be commended against in their
thoroughfareS, rubber tires, wood and as
phalt pavoments tending greatly TO pre-
serve quiet. Yet, in evidence against this
seemingly good argument one remembers
hearing many country women talk in
equally as intolcrable tones as their city
sisters.
As to this condition, cause, reasons,
remedies and the like, it would take those
to tell who have given voice culture and
throat diseases wide range of study. But
any of the laity can advise women to take
upon themselves some responsibility in the
action, and learn, either from n school or
their own system, to cultivate u low speak
ing voice; one that makes melody, not dis
cord. that Snnt hos and AnnS inr
1t is not necessary that n woman should
study vocal music or elocution. Sho need
not go through course of "ahs, "is1ns''
and 'ssss" toattain degree of proficiency
in speaking pleasantly-by pleasantly,
meaning the use of those melltluous voice
tones which make monosyllahlo sound
sweet to the hearcr car She need only be
markedly careful to keep her voice in II
low register, not attempting to raise ii
above trolley cars, rumbling trucks, or,
worse still, the loud talking of II group of
other women.
a London woman has opened school
for voice culture. Ladies of the best social
rank attend that they may learn to great
er degree the perfect uso of that glorious
gift which kind Providence has bcstow-
cd upon the women of the English nation.
1t would be wiser to say the women of
Great Britain, for it is asserted there are
no voices sweetcr than those of the Irish
ladies, most of them possessing tho IA
mously beautiful speaking tones of Mary,
duchess of Towers, whom Du Mauricr has
immortalizcd in Peter lbbctscn."
If that London teacher would come to
the States, she would find abundant mate
rial to work on and there is small doubt
that, after a fair illustration of her pow
crs, the best women in our social ranks
would bcsicge her doors.
There is SO much, however, that can be
accomplished without any instructor. For
lesson No. / a woman should make II prac
tico of listening to her own voice whenever
she talks This is in itself difficult feat,
for speech is such an involuntary act one
is apt to forget the self imposed task. OBJ
stinacy and determination, though, are
good conqucrors, and in this case they are
enlisted in Il worthy cause 1t will be Il
surprise to the best hammered when they
observe and realize the high, harsh key on
which their voices arc pitched.
As time goes on it will become Il torture
to them and u conscious lowering of the
zones will begin Lower, lower, and less
strained, they drop at last into II low mid
die register.
The task is not completed at that stage.
Oh, mol There remain yet many months
of practice, with several new heights to
scale, or rather depths to delvC.
Especially must one bear in mind that
when another member of her sex has the
iloor-in parliamentary tcrms-quctness
from her is the better part of wisdom. To
drown another's tones is not only discour-
teous, but death to the sweetness Of ones
g
will carefully listen when she hears group
of women all talking at once in race to
see which tells the story tlrst-and this is
not the uncommon occurrcnce-she will
sec how much it costs her vocal apparatus
to enter into the contest The game is not
worth tho candle
When she must enter discussion, pitch
the voice markedly lower than the key the
others maintain and notice how much
more significant hers is. Rapid talking is
also fatal, if done as usual thing. There
are times when every reason demands
quick uttcrancc, but for every day use
keep the words we'll apart, avoiding drawl.
ing or affcctation, but as If you were not
in race.
When in car or jolting over cobble-
stones, do not attempt conversation. II
necessity forces it, then make tuning
fork Of your throat to catch the key on
which the voice is struck, and place your
voice third below. In that way there is
little strain and no danger of any person
but your companion hearing you-and to
talk above the racket in manner that
would entertain tho whole car is--but,
that, as Kipling says, is another story
Philadelphia Press.
Rarefnnt Babes In Rnsfnn