Annunciation & Pronunciation

The purpose of announcements (or annunciations) is to provide information for the edification of all, in tones that command attention, with unambiguous pronunciation; and with audibility, clarity and steadiness of voice. This purpose is subverted by people who lack any of these capabilities. This purpose is enhanced by people who are mighty in these areas.

As far as this is concerned, I remember with particular fondness my former principal, my former English and Literature teacher, and one or two others mighty in word and deed. Their announcements were pure, commanding, unsullied by ambiguity and inaccuracy. I have tried to imitate this. It is not easy at all. In particularly depressing moments, I try to imagine what Gabriel must have sounded like when pronouncing the Ave Maria. Sigh.