Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

We should be careful not to give an incorrect
pronunciation of our words. There are men among
us who in theory know better than to use incorrect
language, yet who in practice make frequent
mistakes. The Lord would have us careful to do our
best, making wise use of our faculties and
opportunities. He has endowed men with gifts with
which to bless and edify others; it is our duty so to
educate ourselves that we may be fitted for the
great work committed to us. ...
In reading or in recitation the pronunciation
should be clear. A nasal tone or an ungainly
attitude should be at once corrected. Any lack of
distinctness should be marked as defective. Many
have allowed themselves to form the habit of
speaking in a thick, indistinct way, as if their
tongue were too large for their mouth. This habit
has greatly hindered their usefulness.
If those who have defects in their manner of
utterance will submit to criticism and correction,
they may overcome these defects. They should
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