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he is not a very sympathetic, charitable, or neighborly person cither. He had better get into a spiritual retreat and work for those humane traits and for that charity without which St. Paul tells us our words are as tinkling cymbals and sounding brass. A good conversationalist puts into his voice not merely what he means, but what and how much he feels. His voice never just rattles words, but always reflects the significance and the emotional impact. If one tries to do that — it really amounts to little more than being truly thoughtful and sincere — then the voice will of its own nature become more and more agreeable and effective. Nature seldom gives a harsh voice to a truly kind and sympathetic person. Even an aged voice, coming from a truly kind and sympathetic person, can be pleasant. Though Shakespeare speaks of an old man's "big manly voice, turning again toward childish treble," piping and whistling, old people who are more concerned with pleasing others than themselves, who are selfless and sincere, seldom have voices one is not glad to hear. |
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