VI. MODULATION.

Modulation includes the variations of the voice. These may be classed
under the heads of Pitch, Compass, Quantity, and Quality.

PITCH AND COMPASS.

If anyone will notice closely a sentence as uttered in private
conversation, he will observe that very few successive words are
pronounced in exactly the same key or with the same force. At the same
time, however, there is a certain PITCH or key, which seems, on the whole,
to prevail.

This keynote, or governing note, as it may be called, is that upon which
the voice most frequently dwells, to which it usually returns when
wearied, and upon which a sentence generally commences, and very
frequently ends, while, at the same time, there is a considerable play of
the voice above and below it.

This key may be high or low. It varies in different individuals, and at
different times in the same individual, being governed by the nature of
the subject and the emotions of the speaker. It is worthy of notice,
however, that most speakers pitch their voices on a key too high.

The range of the voice above and below this note is called its COMPASS.
When the speaker is animated, this range is great; but upon abstract
subjects, or with a dull speaker, it is small. If, in reading or speaking,
too high a note be chosen, the lungs will soon become wearied; if too low