Let’s start with some practice! Imagine you are going to present a lecture at an international conference, in your class, or even at work. Picture yourself at an interview that is so important for your future! How would you speak in these situations? Would you speak monotonously and without any ups and downs that would be so boring to your audience, or you would add some sort of rhythm to your speech to make it more interesting? Some think that just rich content can absorb people to what they say. I am afraid that this is not the case. Even the most valuable content, if it is not presented well, would not attract many people. One of the most pivotal pillars of a great speech is without a doubt your intonation.
You have heard music in your life. Like music, but not with that intensity, your speech should have rhythm. What do we mean by rhythm? The way your voice, when you are speaking, rises and falls, and by which you add emotion and emphasis to your speech is the rhythm that you use in your speech. You might think this is useless. But if you pay attention to the way good speakers, like President Obama or Dr. Jordan Peterson, speak, you would understand that such ups and downs are one of the most important components of their speech, if not the most important one. Similar to a piece of music, intonation will help you to express your emotions. Imagine a very ordinary and mundane situation. Have you paid attention to funny people at a gathering or a party? These people can tell stories with rhythm and intonation. For instance, if you see videos on the POC English Channel, you will be amazed by the intonation and pronunciation of these videos. Thus, learning intonation is a necessary, joyful, and great English pronunciation practice that will not only help you to speak attractively like a native speaker but will assist you to understand native speakers very well.
Pronunciation and intonation play a pivotal role in communication in English. First of all, when you pronounce each word and collocation correctly and use the correct intonation for each sentence and paragraph, not only you can convey your message easily and correctly but also you express your sense of confidence and competence very well which would be impressive in your speech. So, if you want to express yourself in a way that leaves a positive impression, whether you’re in the classroom, conference, or a gathering try to boost your pronunciation and intonation of your speech. Besides, when you emphasize some words or sentences in your speech you would avoid misunderstanding and allow your audience to interpret what you are saying more accurately. When you become an excellent person at pronunciation and intonation your speech will be so captivating and convey your intentions, thoughts, and feelings as precisely as possible. These skills will benefit you in various environments including work environment, academic environments or even daily conversations.
There are three main types of intonation that we are going to introduce in this article:
1- Falling intonation
When we wish to discuss something that is finished or certain to happen, we utilize falling intonation. So when you are positive about something, use it. It functions similarly to a firm, assured full stop for your sentences. When you utilize falling intonation, your tone becomes quieter, much as when you’re coming to the end of an idea. It’s like to saying, “Now that I’ve said what I intended to say, it’s time for it to sink in.” When you want to make a statement or demonstrate your certainty about something, this kind of intonation is great. Saying “Did you know that penguins can’t fly?” is one example of how you may introduce a friend to a piece of fascinating information. Observe how your voice wanes towards the conclusion.
Here’s where it gets really awesome. Additionally, falling intonation makes you sound more composed and mature. It’s similar to packing a big punch with your words! Thus, keep in mind to lower your voice towards the finish the next time you wish to convey something fascinating or make a bold statement. It’s an excellent addition to your toolkit for communicating! You’ll become an expert at employing falling intonation if you practice enough.
Let’s have a look at some examples of falling intonation:
- Here’s your pen
- My work will be finished
- I am going to Italy tomorrow
We also use falling intonation in questions:
- What time does the football match begin?
- Why did you leave your job?
2- Rising intonation
In yes/no questions, rising intonation is frequently used. When you reach the end of the question, your voice goes up. It’s similar to adding a small question mark to the end of your sentences. Similar to when you pose a question, your voice rises when you utilize rising intonation. It’s similar to stating, “Our task is not finished yet; there are still more to come.” When expressing curiosity or making inquiries, this kind of tone works really well. Saying “Are you going to the cinema tonight?” is an example of what you might say to a friend when you inquire about their weekend plans. Have you noticed the increase in voice at the end? That is the use of increasing intonation!
Moreover, using a rising intonation makes you seem approachable and kind. It’s similar to asking people to participate in the discussion! Thus, the next time you’re having a conversation with friends or sharing something fascinating, don’t forget to raise your voice in conclusion. It’s an excellent addition to your toolkit for communicating! You’ll become an expert at employing rising intonation if you continue to practice. You’re going to be a fantastic communicator soon!
3- Fall-rise intonation
When something is unclear or unfinished, or when we want to finish a statement but are not sure how, we employ the fall-rise intonation. For instance:
After this project, I am so tired, but let’s have a trip together.
The sentence’s initial portion has a fall-rise intonation. It indicates that the sentence is still incomplete.
Now, friend, let’s explore the amazing realm of speech intonation! Consider it as an extension of your speech pattern, bringing vigor and passion to your discourse. Elevate your voice a little when you’re asking a question or when you’re feeling particularly enthusiastic about something. Lower your voice a little while expressing surprise or making a statement, such as when you’re delivering an interesting fact. It like doing a little dance with your words! Read aloud a few times to yourself to get comfortable with the way your voice naturally rises and falls. Your conversations will become more captivating and exciting as you experiment more with it. Thus, feel free to experiment with intonation and let your words flow.
