Elocution

/ˌɛloʊˈkjuːʃən/ noun

Definition

The art of speaking or reading aloud with clear pronunciation, proper emphasis, and expressive delivery.

Etymology

From Latin eloqui (to speak out) from e- (out) plus loqui (to speak). It emerged as an important skill in 18th-century education, emphasizing style and presentation.

Kelly Says

Elocution teachers in the Victorian era taught dramatic arm gestures, pauses, and voice modulation—what seems over-the-top today was considered the height of refined communication!

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