elocution

Elocution is the study and practice of clear, expressive speech delivery. It focuses on how spoken language is pronounced, articulated, and modulated to be understood and effective in communication. It includes aspects such as pronunciation, articulation, intonation, rhythm, tempo, volume, and emphasis. It can be applied to public speaking, acting, teaching, and language learning.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin elocutio "a speaking out," entering English through French.

History: In the 18th and 19th centuries elocution was central in education as a discipline to cultivate proper speech and deportment. Manuals and schools promoted standardized pronunciation and delivery. In the 20th century, phonetics, speech-language pathology, and acting pedagogy broadened the field, recognizing variation in accent and the value of intelligibility.

Practice and techniques: Elocution training often includes breath control, posture, resonant voice, articulation drills, tongue-twisters, and reading aloud. Practitioners analyze the pace, pausing, stress patterns, and intonation to convey meaning and emotion. Recording and feedback are common tools.

Modern context and scope: Today the term is used in public speaking and acting, but many professionals prefer terms like speech delivery or voice training to emphasize inclusivity of diverse accents. It intersects with linguistics, phonetics, and speech-language pathology, and is sometimes considered a subset of rhetoric rather than a standalone discipline. Some critics view elocution as prescriptive or biased toward particular accents.