Regarding the state of voice and diction...

Regarding the state of voice and diction on TV, things aren’t what they used to be. Once the resonant baritone of the male and the contralto purr of the female were mandatory sounds. Today we have the tortured squawk of Dr. Ruth and the strident bellowing of what’s-his-name Leach. The charismatic and sometimes imperious Bryant Gumbel often begins his sentences too high on unsupported tones. Diction-wise, words are commonly slurred together. “Gonna” and “gotta” and “gotcha” are used by the best. The writers rarely handle “who” and “whom” properly. And, fellas, “unique” can never take a modifier. It must stand alone. But all is not lost. Christopher Nance has control over the flights into falsetto of several years ago. In his middle register are hints of a good tenor quality. We may even get Martha Raye to put the “g” back in “strength.”

Randy Fitts, West Hollywood