good point, MGM.I think what was meant, was to avoid being over dramatic.
IMO Ballads do not need to be sung in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan,or in an operatic style.
I do remember seeing a floorsinger years ago who over dramatised ballads and made herself and the song look ridiculous, however I am not trying to tell people how to do it, merely stating my preferences.
can you imagine William Topaz mcgonagle singing ballads