Hi, my name is Randy Hill and I am just one of thousands of people around the world, tired and frustrated with the lack of consideration that is displayed by a growing "demographic" that I call, "the great unwashed and ill-mannered." People who can't seem to get outside their little world long enough to see the stress that they create on the rest of the population.
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Loud talkers of the 19th century…
By Randy | April 16, 2007
I found the following quote at a Rochester, New York history website. The website features in its entirety a book on manners published in 1896 titled, “Youth’s Educator for Home and Society.†I love reading these kinds of books that were published in the 1800’s that really show how much society has changed in a little over 100 years.
I particularly enjoyed reading the following entry from the book on “loud talking.â€
“Loud talking is very offensive. The loud talker is generally conceited and coarse. He catches the ear, but does not engage the heart. The loud, swaggering talker, starts out upon the supposition that every one is interested in his affairs. He disturbs the circle into which he is thrown. He talks at people, and not for them.
There are occasions and places where loud talking is proper. A speaker who would hold his audience must have a voice that will penetrate to the farthest. corner. The actor’s enunciation must be loud, clear, and distinct. The lawyer, pleading at the bar, should be heard by his entire audience. But a man or woman who comes into a parlor, or the family circle, and talks in a voice that would command a regiment, is a perfect bomb-shell, and creates similar feelings to one in the minds of his auditors.
Home is not the place for noisy and loud demonstrations. The play-ground is their proper location. Loud talking becomes a fixed habit, and the one who indulges in it becomes unaware of his own fault. There is nothing so pleasant to the ear, as the even, moderately-pitched tones; at once we give their possessor credit for being well-bred. And these tones can be cultivated by anyone; even though there may be natural defects, they can be overcome, with patience and determination.
A low voice does not mean a mumbling, indistinct utterance. Nor does a high-pitched one mean noise. The latter may be very musical, while the former would be the reverse. But a clear, distinct, evenly-modulated voice, sympathetic and refined, is a delight which does double duty – to its possessor and to those who listen to it.”
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