Are Elocution Lessons Worth It

John Walker's book ‘Elements of Elocution’ refers to elocution as “the delivery of words formed into sentences, and these sentences formed into discourse, is the object of it; and as reading is correct and beautiful picture of speaking; speaking it is presumed, cannot be more successfully taught, than by referring us to such rules as instruct us in the art of reading.”  Wow…what a statement made in 1820!  I will break this statement down as John Walker has valuable insights that we can benefit from today when wanting to speak better.

What Is The Meaning Of Elocution and Speaking Well
Elocution goes beyond articulation; it is the art of expressing oneself fluently and effectively. It encompasses how a speaker uses tone, pitch, volume, and rhythm to add meaning and emotion to their words.  It’s about more than just saying words correctly—it's about saying them in a way that engages the audience and conveys the intended message with impact.  A speaker with good elocution can captivate an audience, hold their attention, and communicate their ideas with persuasive power.
Think of a compelling public speaker or a captivating storyteller. Their mastery of elocution makes their words heard and felt. Improving elocution requires practice in voice modulation, emphasis, pauses, and pacing to enhance the spoken word.

What You Can Learn In Elocution Classes
Pitch, Pace, Pause, and Power.  These elements are crucial in helping to elevate how you deliver a message.  Here's how each of the 4 P's work:
Pitch:  Vary the highness or lowness of your voice to emphasize points and create interest.
Pace:  Adjust the speed of your speech to match the content and keep your audience engaged.
Pause: Strategically use silence to emphasise key points and allow your audience to absorb information.
​Projection: Ensure your voice reaches everyone in the room by speaking clearly and loudly enough.

​Pro Tip
Punctuation marks are the traffic signals of written language.  They guide the reader in understanding the meaning and pace of the text. Here's a breakdown of how to use the punctuation marks:

• Period .
• Purpose: Marks the end of a complete sentence.
• Reading: Pause briefly, indicating a full stop in thought.
• Comma ,
• Purpose: Separates items in a list, clauses, and independent thoughts.
• Reading: Pause slightly, indicating a short break in thought.
• Question Mark ?
• Purpose: Indicates a question.
• Reading: Raise your voice at the end of the sentence, indicating inquiry.
• Exclamation Point !
• Purpose: Expresses strong emotion or emphasis.
• Reading: Use a more forceful and emphatic tone.

Practice Exercise
April’s heart pounded with excitement as she scanned the cluttered garage. (Rising pitch, increasing pace).
There was, tucked away behind the old boxes, a familiar gleam catching the dim light. (Rising pitch, accelerating pace)
Her beloved bike! (Exclaimed with joy, high pitch).  She brushed away the dust with trembling hands, revealing the faded blue paint. (Lower pitch, slower pace)
A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she remembered countless adventures on this trusty cycle. (Slower pace, dreamy tone).

Why Elocution Is Important
As you can see, elocution adds nuance to your speech, making it dynamic and engaging. Using elocution sharpens your ability to captivate and persuade.  You transform words into living entities by mastering pitch, pace, and pause, breathing life into narratives.  This skill is invaluable when connecting with others, allowing you to evoke emotions and paint vivid pictures.  Whether sharing a personal anecdote or delivering a persuasive speech, elocution empowers you to command attention, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.