The Canadian Elocutionist | Page 5

holds her audience spell-bound.

[_Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press._]
MISS KELSEY is a lady of unusual talent; evidently understands her
vocation. She fully sustained her reputation acquired elsewhere, and
has made many friends in this city--her professional worth and
professional merit being recognized--who will be pleased with another
opportunity of listening to her readings should she thus favour them.

[_St. Thomas (Ont.) Times_.]

The readings of Miss Kelsey were the piece de resistance of the
evening. This lady has a very sweet voice, and flexible, pure
accentuation, and is altogether as good an elocutionist as we have ever
heard. It was wonderful how distinctly her voice was heard all over the
hall, though apparently making no effort. She was applauded with
enthusiasm.
CHAPTER I.
PHYSICAL CULTURE.
Gymnastic and calisthenic exercises are invaluable aids to the culture
and development of the bodily organs, for purposes of vocalization.
The organs of the voice require vigour and pliancy of muscle, to
perform their office with energy and effect.
Before proceeding to the vocal gymnastics, it is indispensable, almost,
to practice a series of muscular exercises, adapted to the expansion of
the chest, freedom of the circulation, and general vitality of the whole
system.
First, stand firmly upon both feet, hands upon the hips, fingers in front,
head erect, so as to throw the larynx directly over the wind-pipe in a
perpendicular line; bring the arms, thus adjusted, with hands pressed
firmly against the waist, back and down, six times in succession; the
shoulders will be brought down and back, head up, chest thrown
forward. Keeping the hands in this position, breathe freely, filling the
lungs to the utmost, emitting the breath slowly. Now, bring the hands,
clenched tightly, against the sides of the chest; thrust the right fist
forward-- keeping the head up and chest forward, whole body firm;
bring it back, and repeat six times; left the same; then both fists; then
right up six times; then left; then both; then right, down six times; left,
the same; then both. Now clench the fists tightly, and press them under
the arm-pits, throwing the chest as well forward as possible, shoulders
down and back, head erect; thrust the fists down the sides, and return,
six times, with the utmost energy. Now, keeping the head, shoulders,
and chest still the same, extend the hands forward, palms open and

facing, bring both back as far as the bones and muscles of the shoulders
will admit, without bending arms at elbows. Now, thrust the body to
the right, knees and feet firm, and strike the left side with open palms,
vigorously, repeat with body to the left. Now, with arms akimbo, thrust
the right foot forward (kicking) with energy, six times; left same. Now,
place the clenched fist in the small of the back with great force; throw
the whole body backwards, feet and knees firm, tilling the lungs to the
utmost and uttering, as you go over, the alphabetical element, "a_" then
long "_o_," then long "_e" If these movements have been made with
great energy and precision, the blood is circulating freely, and the
whole body is aglow, and you are ready now for vocal exercises.
These should be repeated daily with increasing energy.
The best time for practicing gymnastic exercises is either early in the
morning or in the cool of the evening; but never immediately after
meals.
As the feet and lower limbs are the foundation, we shall begin by
giving their different positions. The student should be careful to keep
the body erect.
A good voice depends upon the position, and the practice of Position
and Gesture will prove a valuable aid in physical culture, and in
acquiring a graceful address. There are two primary positions of the
feet in speaking:
First.--The body rests on the left foot, right a little advanced, right knee
bent.
Second.--The body rests on the right foot, the left a little advanced, left
knee bent.
There are two other positions which are called secondary. They are
assumed in argument, appeal or persuasion.
The first secondary position is taken from the first primary by
advancing the unoccupied foot, and resting the body upon it, leaning

forward, the left foot brought to its support. The second secondary
position is the same as the first with the body resting on the left foot. In
assuming these positions the movements must be made with the utmost
simplicity, avoiding all display or parade, and advancing, retiring or
changing with ease and gracefulness, excepting when the action
demands energy or marked decision. All changes must be made as
lightly and as imperceptibly as possible, without any unnecessary
sweep of the moving foot, and in all changes that foot should be moved
first which does not support the weight of the body. All action should