People judge you by what you say or do. The way you look at others, the way you smile; these several things reveal your character. But most important of all is the way you talk. Your speech, the words you use and how you use them, the tones of your voice---all are directly related to your personality. Do you like the girl who shouts or mumbles when she speaks? Do you respect the boy who uses coarse or vulgar language?

There are certain qualities of speech that you should develop. First of all, learn how to speak clearly. Clearness in speaking makes your voice pleasing or agreeable. Avoid swallowing your words.

Secondly, speak in a voice moderately loud and in a proper pitch. Pitch is the tone in which you speak. Girls have a higher pitch than boys. Study what is pleasing and easy pitch for you, and speak on that pitch. Remember that a high, loud voice irritates because it hurts the ear drums. Likewise, if you speak on a very low note or too softly, your listeners will have to strain themselves to hear what you are saying and will soon give us trying.

Learn the breathing control technique. Good breathing habits produce a good quality of voice. Shallow breathing prevents you from speaking clearly. Do not breathe with your stomach. Fill your lungs, expand your chest, raise your shoulders and throw them back. Fill your lungs with air before you speak.

Finally, develop a resonant voice, a voice that is strongly audible. Do you know how the voice is produced? The power that produces the voice is the breath that you expel.