The Definition of Elocution

The word elocution creates old-fashioned images of people repeating vowels in order to get 'better' speech. Although this is outdated these days, the word elocution is still in use. How relevant is it to modern speech coaching? Is it the same thing?

When I tell people I'm a voice, speech and pronunciation coach, people often say 'ah, so you teach elocution?'.

Good question. Do I teach elocution?

The Oxford and Cambridge English dictionaries define elocution as an ability and an art respectively. Both definitions mention clear speech. Oxford refers to ‘correct and socially acceptable pronunciation’, while Cambridge mentions careful speech, and breathing to help control the voice.  

How do these definitions of elocution fit into the work of a modern voice and speech coach?

Clear Speech

Most of my clients are working towards clearer speech. Many have had feedback that they speak too fast, or they get asked to repeat themselves – which can feel annoying and time-wasting in meetings. Effective speech means that our message lands effortlessly in our listeners' ears. This requires technique on our part, which features strongly in my speech and pronunciation coaching programmes. The aim is always for the message to land with clarity, confidence and impact.

Breathing

Speech training sessions often include work on breathing, but it isn't completely about 'control': effective breathing choices can free up the voice so that we sound more varied and confident, putting our listeners at ease.

Careful speech

Yes: in speech coaching, you learn to take care of your speech. If we're careful with the techniques, practice and exercises, this means in the long term that we don't have to be so careful any more, because we trust that the new habits are in place. This takes time and is all part of the journey.

Socially acceptable

This one is trickier. Acceptable to whom? The aim of speech coaching is to find the clearest, most effective version of YOUR individual voice that may have been hiding behind habits until now. There is no ideal voice or speech style to be slapped on top of you – only uncovering authenticity, which in my view is always socially acceptable.

So, is elocution still relevant?

Modern voice and speech coaching shares elements of elocution. Clarity and breath play huge roles, and there's an element of being careful (so we don't have to be later). However, the socially acceptable part feels pretty dated now.

Effective modern speech coaching programmes are deeply personalised. Certainly, some of the definitions of speech coaching elocution overlap, even if I don't call it that. Some coaches do, and that is fine. The term chosen to label the work has no effect on the content or effectiveness!

Check out the Oxford and Cambridge definitions of elocution for yourself!

I'm Sonya Ross, a voice, speech and pronunciation coach based in London, UK and worldwide online. I help international executives speak with clarity, confidence and impact.

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