.png)
VOICE STRESS
In English, a syllable is the smallest unit of pronunciation and does not have the same level of loudness. Some are long, some are loud, and some are short and quiet. Stress, a distinctive syllable in a word, receives more emphasis than any other syllable. In English words with two or more syllables, one will be stronger or stressed, while the others will be weaker or unstressed.
The stressed syllable is pronounced louder, longer, and more clearly. If stress changes, the meaning changes too; for example, 'research' and 're’search.'
Stress can also
emphasize a particular word in a phrase or sentence.
The Importance of Word Stress
Learners who know the stress in words feel more confident in speaking. Native speakers rely on stress to identify words.
Miscommunication is
more likely between native and non-native speakers due to incorrect word stress
patterns.
Stress patterns in
words can help you remember the pronunciation of new words.
Three Levels of Stress
Primary stress –
It's the loudest syllable in the word, marked by a raised vertical line at the
beginning of the syllable.
Secondary Stress –
This syllable isn't completely unstressed but isn't as loud as the primary
stress.
Unstressed –
Syllables that have no stress at all. Almost all of these use the schwa [ə] for
their vowel, though [i] will also often be unstressed, like the [i] in 'happy'
[ˈhæpi]. (Very rarely, another non-schwa vowel might be unstressed, like the
[o] in 'potato' [pəˈteto] for most speakers.)
RULES IN STRESS
A word has only one stress.
candy - CAN-dy
dress - DRESS
Lovingly -
LOV-ing-ly
Stress will be on
the first syllable if the word is a NOUN, and if it is a VERB, then the stress
will be on the second syllable.
|
NOUN |
VERB |
|
IMport |
imPORT |
|
REcord |
reCORD |
|
REport |
rePORT |
|
PERmit |
perMIT |
|
OBject |
obJECT |
Stress will fall on
the syllable before these endings: SION, -IC, -TION, -IOUS, -EOUS, -GRAPHY,
-METER, -LOGY, -IVE, IENT, -IAL.
MIssion - Nation -
conTAgious
scienTIfic -
couRageous
phoTOgraphy -
biOlogy
therMOmeter -
exTENSive
Stress will fall on
the first word in a Compound Noun.
HOMEtown - BACKache
SOFTware -
TOOTHpaste
BREAKfast -
SUITcase
Stress is on the
second part in a Compound adjective or verb.
old-FASHioned -
come IN
well-KNOWN -
good-LOOKing
comeBACK - turn
aWAY
Stress on the third
syllable from the end. Words ending in -cy, -ty, -phy, and -gy and al.
CRItical - INfancy
deMOcracy - aPOlogy
phoTOgraphy -
alphaBEtical
In 3-syllable
adverbs ending in -ly or -er, the first syllable is usually stressed.
MAnager - NORmally
PUBlisher -
INStantly
Suffixes -ade, -ee,
-eer, -ese, -que, and -oon, the suffix is stressed.
cruSADE - pioNEER
guaranTEE -
japaNESE
uNIQUE - baLLOON
INTONATION
Intonation refers to how you say things, the rises and falls
in your voice, rather than the specific content of what you're saying. In
speech, higher intonation can engage the audience, while slowing and lowering
your intonation signals the conclusion of your speech. Several considerations
come into play when using intonation in speech.
Three Ways to Alter Intonation
Increase volume or raise the pitch.
Lengthen or stretch out certain words to emphasize them.
Change the pitch of your voice.
Basic Patterns of Intonation
1. Rising Intonation:
This occurs when the pitch of the voice ascends at the end
of a sentence.
It's common when the speaker is uncertain or hesitant, with
a final high rise indicating uncertainty or an unfinished meaning.
Frequently used in yes/no questions and question tags that
are genuine inquiries.
Example Sentences:
"Do you like your new ➚shoes?"
"May I see your ➚notes?"
"George isn't back yet, ➚is he?"
2. Falling Intonation:
The pitch of the voice descends at the end of the sentence.
Often found in statements, commands, wh-questions,
confirmatory question tags, and exclamations.
Example Sentences:
"I will eat pizza at ➘home."
"Put your sign in ➘here."
"What is your ➘name?"
3. Rise-Fall Intonation:
The intonation pattern rises and then falls.
Used for choices, lists, unfinished thoughts, and
conditional sentences.
Example Sentences:
"Do you like ➚apple or ➘banana?"
"George bought ➚a bottle of milk, ➚a
dozen of eggs, and ➘a pack of bread."
"If he ➚calls, ask him to leave a ➘message."
Understanding Linking and Blending in English Pronunciation
Linking
Linking
involves the combination of two or more words, where one is shortened to form
and sound as if they are a single word. This commonly occurs by attaching the
end of one word to the beginning of the next. Mastering linking facilitates
smoother transitions in speech.
Blending
Blending
is the seamless transition from pronouncing one sound to the next, enabling
smoother and more natural speech. Both linking and blending are essential
techniques that allow for quicker, more fluent speech, aiding in better
communication and understanding.
Types of Linking
Linking Consonant to Vowel
When the last sound of the first word is a consonant and the first
sound of the following word is a vowel, pronounce them together as if they form
one word.
Disappearing /h/:
In spoken English, unstressed pronouns beginning with /h/, such as he, her, and
him, often drop the /h/ sound after a consonant.
Examples:
Give (h)er a
dollar.
Is (h)e ready to
go?
I told (h)im to
call me.
Linking Vowel to Vowel:
Listen for linking words ending in /iy/, /ey/, /aɪ/, and /ɔɪ/ to other
words beginning with vowel sounds. Identify the sound that links these words
together.
Blending Consonant
to Consonant:
Same Consonant:
When the consonant sound at the end of the first word is the same as the
consonant sound at the beginning of the second word, blend them together like
one consonant.
Example: Do you
hear "hot / tea" or "hotea"?
Stop Consonants:
Stop
consonants (/p/ and /b/, /k/ and /g/, and /t/ and /d/) at the ends of words are
spoken almost simultaneously with the first consonant sounds in the following
words. Hold the stop sound until you're ready to say the next sound.
Examples:
cab driver (hold
/b/ until you're ready to say /d/)
stop sign
keep trying
laptop computer
look like
big problem
Specific Consonant
Blends:
/t/ + /y/: When /t/
is blended with /y/, the resulting sound is /tʃ/ as in "choose".
Example:
Don't you know?
Won't you go?
Haven't you gone?
/d/ + /y/: When a
word ends in /d/ and the next word begins with /y/, the blended sound is /dʒ/
as in "job".
Example:
Would you go?
Could you help?
I called you.
In Effective Communication: The Art of Pausing and Phrasing
Message content is undeniably crucial in communication, but equally essential is the manner in which you convey that message. In communication, mastering the appropriate pauses or stops is a common challenge, particularly in spoken English.
While commas and periods generally mark the conclusion of sentences or phrases in written text, unmarked boundaries within phrases or sentences can pose a significant challenge, especially for non-native English speakers.
Acquiring
the skill of phrasing words correctly can immensely aid in mastering spoken
English.
Phrasing Defined
Phrasing involves breaking or segmenting an utterance into breath or thought
units. This technique allows for strategic pauses, facilitating clarity in your
message and emphasizing your ideas while speaking or engaging in conversation.
Guidelines for Effective Phrasing:
Single Thought Groups:
If a sentence comprises only one thought group, a pause might not be
necessary.
Examples:
Name: Bob Jones
Book Title: A Tale
of Two Cities
Prepositional
Phrase: in the park
Noun Phrase: a
little white house
Simple sentence:
Birds fly
Impact of Pause Placement:
Altering the placement of pauses within a sentence can logically
change its meaning.
Example:
"My mother
said / my aunt is coming." (Who is coming?)
"My mother
said my aunt / is coming." (Who is coming?) (Use "/" for slight
pauses, similar to commas, and "//" for a full stop, equivalent to a
period at the sentence's end.)
When to Use a
Slight Pause:
Listing Items: When
presenting a series of items.
Examples:
"I bought a
bag, clothes, and shoes at the mall."
"I saw John,
James, and Peter at the park."
Showing
Relationship Between Words or Phrases:
Example:
"My brother,
an electrical engineer, is visiting us from Iowa."
Introducing an
Intervening Phrase:
Example:
"The
president, together with the secretary, is invited to attend the party."
By mastering these
pauses and understanding the art of phrasing, one can significantly enhance the
clarity and impact of their spoken English communication.
Mastering Conversational Cues in Communication
Congratulations on mastering various vocal techniques such
as accent, stress, intonation, phrasing, and blending! These skills greatly
enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. Now, let's delve
into the realm of conversational cues—a crucial aspect of proficient
communication.
Understanding the Importance of Listening:
Listening transcends merely hearing words; it involves
identifying subtle hints embedded in a given statement. In roles like a Contact
Center Service provider, decoding conversational cues is paramount. This skill
aids in appropriately addressing customer needs and promptly responding to
their inquiries or demands.
Deciphering Conversational Cues:
Conversational cues encompass subtle signals within a
statement that reveal the genuine meaning behind the speaker's message. These
cues might include a person's tone, sound, sigh, response delay, or quick
reply. Identifying these cues is pivotal in comprehending the true intent
behind the communicated message.
Examples of Conversational Cues:
Tone: A change in tone can indicate emotion or intention
behind a statement. For instance, a sarcastic tone or a cheerful one can
drastically alter the message's meaning.
Pauses or Delays: Extended pauses or delays in response
might suggest contemplation or hesitation.
Quick Responses: Swift replies can signal confidence,
urgency, or preparedness.
Sighs or Exhalations: These can convey frustration, relief,
or even disinterest.
As a Contact Center Provider, it's crucial to be conscious
of the conversational cues you employ, whether intentionally or
unintentionally, during communication. A monotonous voice might dampen the
appeal of an upsell, while a hurried or high-pitched tone may undermine the
sincerity of an apology.
Comments
Post a Comment