Evolution of Expression — Volume 1 eBook

Charles Wesley Emerson
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 96 pages of information about Evolution of Expression — Volume 1.

Evolution of Expression — Volume 1 eBook

Charles Wesley Emerson
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 96 pages of information about Evolution of Expression — Volume 1.

Smoothness may be said to result from a sense of oneness with the audience.  So long as there is a gulf between the speaker and audience, there is conscious and apparent effort in the address.  It is a growing love, a vital sympathy with the audience that manifests itself in smoothness.

This second step grows in natural sequence out of the first.  Out of the abundance of life comes sweetness.  In all the successive steps of the pupil’s evolution, he is constantly to add, never to discard or lay aside any power previously gained.  Rather than outgrow it, he will grow in it.  All that he will outgrow will be his faults, his mannerisms, his limitations.  As he gains freedom, transcending limitations, his mannerisms will fall away from him; he need never be made conscious that he has had them.

Analysis.  Example, “The Village Preacher.”  The Unit, or Working Whole:  A village preacher who radiates the spirit of love.

The student’s endeavor must be to reflect continuously the overflowing love of the preacher’s nature, which blessed all with whom he came in contact.  The audience should feel the presence of the great-hearted man throughout the reading of the entire selection, even when he is not described.  For instance, he may be foreshadowed in the introduction.

CHAPTER III.

VOLUME.

Out of the effort toward continued concentration is born the perception of values.  Dwelling upon the thought and striving to hold it steadily in the minds of those who listen, the pupil begins to perceive its greater value, and to realize that the expression of this value will aid him in holding the attention of his audience.  His will becomes more definitely aroused.  Feeling his new power, he should be inspired to direct it definitely toward his hearers.  This new element of will directed through the perception of value expresses itself in the added quality called volume of voice.

Here, as everywhere, the discernment of the teacher must be relied upon to detect the difference between true and mechanical expression.  Failure on the part of the pupil to perceive what is desired may lead him to offer, as a counterfeit of volume, force or loudness.  Volume of voice, free from both, is the expression of the growing appreciation of values.

Analysis.  Example:  “Spartacus to the Gladiators.”

The Unit, or Whole:  The personality of Spartacus revealed through his effort to inspire his fellows with the spirit of liberty.

The theme which Spartacus presents is of universal value—­the spirit of liberty, dear to all mankind.  This value must be realized by the student, who must make the effort of Spartacus his own effort, throughout the entire selection.  The value of the theme must be behind every spoken word, felt, if not uttered.

CHAPTER IV.

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
Evolution of Expression — Volume 1 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.