Slavery in Massachusetts by Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau was a passionate abolitionist, and in this heartfelt speech he encourages his state to “dissolve her union with the slaveholder . . . and each inhabitant of the State dissolve his union...
Category: Elocution
Learn to speak publicly with confidence and style.
The Man with the Muck Rake
“The Man with the Muck Rake” is a memorable speech given by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. In it, he encourages journalists to pursue honest reporting and avoid sensationalism. Subheads have been added for...
The Roman Sentinel by Ward M. Florence
“The Roman Sentinel” by Ward M. Florence was included in many elocution books of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this pre-television era, families and friends entertained one another with performances of...
The Seven Ages of Man
“All the World’s a Stage:” the Seven Ages of Man monologue from As You Like It by William Shakespeare All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They...
Cultivating a Pleasant Speaking Voice
When teaching the art of recitation or rhetoric, we sometimes forget to teach one element essential for confident presentation: a pleasant, well-modulated speaking voice. A timid, squeaky, mumbling, or breathy voice is not only be tiring to use, but can be a social and business liability. Here are a few ideas for cultivating a pleasant, well-modulated speaking voice.
