Abruptness= has reference to the relative suddenness with which
syllables may be uttered. It may vary from the most delicate opening to
a forcible explosion.

Vocality depends upon respiration. All exercises, therefore, which are
effective in increasing the vigor, freedom, and elasticity of the
breathing apparatus, may be taken as initiatory steps in voice culture;
and, in moderation, they should be practised continually. Full, slow
inspirations followed by slow, and, as far as possible, complete
expirations; full, quick inspirations similarly followed; full
inspirations followed by sudden and forcible expirations; full, deep
inspirations, followed by slow, slightly but distinctly audible
expirations, as in deep sighing; these and similar practices may be
pursued. What is to be aimed at is to secure complete control of the
breath, especially to the degree that, with perfect deliberateness, it
can be equably and smoothly effused.

In all exercises where vocality is required it is best _first_ to use
the sound of _ae_, as in _far_, for in this sound the quality of the
human voice is heard in most perfection, and in uttering it the vocal
organs are most flexible and most easily adapt themselves to change. It
may be preceded by the aspirate _h_, or by some consonant, as may be
thought necessary.

In effective speaking or reading, _with respect to the abruptness and
rapidity of expiration there are three modes of utterance_: the
=effusive=, by which the voice is poured forth smoothly and equably, the
=expulsive= and the =explosive=. Of these three modes the effusive is by
far the most important, but the others, and especially the expulsive,
have their uses also. These modes will be illustrated in the following
exercise:

EXERCISE.--1. After a full and deliberate inspiration let the
expiration of the element _h_ be gently effected, until the
lungs are exhausted--the aspiration coming from the very depths
of the throat. Let this be repeated with the syllable _haeh_,
audibly whispered. This is _effusive_ utterance.

2. After a full and deliberate inspiration let the expiration of
the element _h_ be suddenly effected, the expiration being
continued until the whispering sound vanishes in the bottom of
the throat. Let this be repeated with the syllable _haeh_,
audibly whispered. This is _expulsive_ utterance.

3. Let the exercise be the same as in (2) except that the
expirati