meaning of speech flow

Effective Speech Transitions: How to Make Your Speech Flow

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

You’re working on your speech and have just finished writing the first draft. However, when you say your speech out loud, you notice that something’s not right.

There is some awkwardness between the points. The speech just isn’t flowing in a smooth manner.

A common reason for this is speech transition. Using transitions in your speech allows you to move from one part of your speech to the next in a smooth manner, making your speech flow appropriately as well make it easier for the audience to follow your speech.

A speech without transitions can seem disorganized and confusing to an audience.

Types of Transitions

Here are the different types of transitions you can use in your speech to ensure it flows smoothly:

Counterpoints

These transitions are used when you are talking about ideas that contradict themselves.

Example : Reading makes you grow in every way. But on the other hand , if you read and don’t act upon what you have learned, it’s just a waste of time.

Transitions:

• On the other hand…
• Contradictory to my previous statement…
• But if we look at the other side…
• Conversely…
• But what about…
• Contrast that with
• At the same time…

They help in making a persuasive speech with 2 different arguments flow smoothly.

Related article: The Secret of Writing a Persuasive Speech (On Any Topic) | Ethos, Logos, Pathos is Not Enough

Important ideas

Your speech will have some points, messages or ideas that you want to emphasize upon. Instead of just stating them out, having a transition for them can make them stand out and show the audience that what you are about to say is important.

Example: I still remember when I was 11 years old, my father bent down and whispered to me, (…pause…) “Wait, son. Patience will get you what you deserve.”

• Pause : Just pause for a few seconds before/after you say the important statement to add more impact
• Slow down : Slower your pace to emphasize on the point you want the audience to take notice of
• Question : Pose a question to the audience before stating your main idea
• Stage movement : Move to another area of the stage from where you were standing before stating your main idea

When you are talking about a process of something or giving steps on how to achieve something, it’s best to use numerical transitions for them to make it easier for the audience to understand how many steps are included in the process you are stating.

Example: Let’s talk about how can write your first speech: First , have a key idea in mind. Second , write down all the things associated with that idea. Third …

• First/firstly/The first one is…
• Second/Secondly/The second one is…
• Third/Thirdly/The third one is…
• Last/Lastly/Finally/The fourth one is…

When you’re talking about an example to support your previous statement, using a transition can help smoothen out your talk.

Example: Small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on the way you approach your day. For example , if you start waking up an hour earlier than you’re used to, you can use that time to plan your entire day.

• For example…
• You know how…
• Take the case of…
• To understand this…
• What’s an example of this?…

A change in tone can also help with transitions during an example.

Related article: All You Need to Know about Voice Modulation & Tonality for Public Speaking

Handing the stage to another speaker

If you are presenting something or speaking along with multiple people, don’t finish your part, abruptly stop and let the other person start talking. Use a transition to let the person who you are handing the stage to as well as the audience know that you are going to be passing the mic to someone else.

• I’ll now pass on the stage to John who will take you through the next points…
• To help us understand this topic better, we have Lee, who will talk us through…
• To talk about this, we have Raj…

The next speaker can complete the transition with a simple acknowledgment such as “Thank you”.

Visual aids

If you’re using a power point presentation or demonstrating your talk with the help of visual aids, use transitions whenever you’re switching from one slide to another or when you are talking about a point yourself and turn to the slide for reference.

Example: The next slide shows us how our sales have increased this month. As you can see here , the sales are spiking mainly during the weekends.

• As you can see here…
• This graph indicates…
• Moving on to the next slide…

Call to action

Most (if not every) speech ends with a Call to Action (CTA) that asks the user to commit to an action which relates to the main idea of the speech. Use transitions for your CTA for better clarity and more emphasis.

Example: I urge you to try this the tonight before going to bed.

• So, how do you apply this in your life?…
• Try this when you go home today…
• How can you help you in this?…
• I urge you to…

Previously stated point

Use transitions when speaking about a point you have already spoken about or stated in the previous part of your speech.

Example: Remember when we spoke about trolls? Let’s dive deep into that now.

• Remember we spoke about ____?…
• Let’s revisit…
• We spoke about ___ earlier. Let’s elaborate on that…
• Let’s go back to…

Transitions That Don’t Need a Transition

While transitions are important in smoothening out your speech, there are some instances where you don’t really need a transitioning word or phrase like the examples provided above. These instances are:

Similar ideas

When you are talking about similar ideas, instead of saying things like “Similarly”, “Likewise”, etc. you can just say the points without a transition. I’ve seen it work better when I say the ideas out in succession just as they are, without adding transitions.

Moving from the introduction of the speech to the body

In a speech, if you have to state something out like “Let’s begin talking about…” or “Now let’s get started…”, etc. it makes the speech sound amateurish.

A much more effective transition is when your content speaks for itself.

Instead of stating a transitional statement, writing and structuring your speech in a manner that makes a clear distinction between your introduction and your body is much more effective and calls for a smoother transition and a more effective speech.

Moving from the body of the speech to the conclusion

Similar to the previous point, there’s no need for a transitional statement from your body to your conclusion. If your speech is written and structured properly, it won’t require a transition.

The audience will be able to tell when you are talking about your body and when you are concluding your speech.

You can also check out this resource for understanding the importance of sentence transitions. I found it particularly helpful especially for transitioning between paragraphs.

Related article: 5 Ways to End Your Speech With Maximum Impact!

Using Voice and Body Language to Transition

Sometimes, the best way to transition from one point to another is by using your voice or body . Changing the tone of your voice can clearly indicate a transition. Similarly, using the stage as a means to talk about different parts of your speech can be a great way to subconsciously communicate transitions to your audience.

For example, you start off with the intro at the center of the stage, come to the right for the first half your body, move to the left for the second half and conclude your speech back in the center.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

Transition Mistakes

Incorrect transitions.

Using incorrect transitions in your speech can horribly confuse an audience. For instance, if you say the word “however” but continue with an idea which is similar in nature, it will make the audience wonder whether or not they are following your speech correctly.

Inconsistent transitions

This usually happens while explaining processes. For instance, if you start with “first, second…” and then say the word “point number 3”, it causes inconsistency in your speech. This isn’t necessarily a big deal as long as you are putting across your point in a manner that the audience is able to easily understand.

Overusing the same transition

Monotony is the enemy. Using the same transition in your speech over and over again can cause your speech to sound very repetitive even if your actual messaging is different throughout. Use transitions that sound different every now and then to add more variety to your speech.

Using speech transitions help you connect your speech and make it more consumable to an audience. But be aware of not overusing them or using them where they are not required.

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Speaking Flow

Speaking Flow refers to the smooth and continuous delivery of spoken language, without pauses or hesitations. It is essential in effective communication as it enhances clarity and engagement.

Developing a strong speaking flow requires practice and attention to factors such as pacing, intonation, and fluency. Mastering speaking flow can greatly improve one’s public speaking skills and overall communication abilities. We will explore strategies and techniques to help you cultivate a confident and seamless speaking flow, enabling you to effectively express your thoughts and ideas.

Credit: www.flowspeak.io

Table of Contents

Benefits Of Speaking Flow

Speaking flow refers to the ability to communicate effortlessly and smoothly. When we achieve a natural flow while speaking, several benefits arise. These benefits not only enhance our communication skills but also improve our overall understanding. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of speaking flow:

Improved Fluency

Improved fluency is one of the most noticeable benefits of speaking flow. When we speak fluently, we are able to express our thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently. This allows us to engage in meaningful conversations and convey our message effectively. Speaking fluently also helps in avoiding interruptions and hesitations, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable conversation experience.

Enhanced Understanding

Speaking flow also leads to enhanced understanding. When we speak fluently, we are able to grasp the meaning and context of what others are saying more quickly and accurately. This helps us to actively listen and respond accordingly, fostering better communication and building stronger connections with others. When we understand others better, we are able to engage in more meaningful conversations and collaborate effectively in various situations.

To summarize, developing a speaking flow brings numerous benefits, including improved fluency and enhanced understanding. By working on our speaking skills, we can enhance our communication abilities, connect with others more effortlessly, and effectively convey our thoughts and ideas.

Techniques For Developing Speaking Flow

Developing speaking flow involves implementing effective techniques that help speakers achieve a smooth and coherent delivery. By practicing fluency exercises, using appropriate transitions, and engaging in regular conversation practice, individuals can improve their speaking flow and communicate more confidently.

Practicing With Native Speakers

Using conversation starters, practicing with real-life situations, record and analyze your conversations, seek constructive feedback, incorporate idioms and expressions, common challenges in speaking flow.

Speaking flow can be hindered by various challenges. These obstacles can include problems with pronunciation, lack of vocabulary, difficulties with grammar, nervousness, and lack of confidence. Overcoming these challenges requires practice, perseverance, and a commitment to improving one’s speaking skills.

Speaking with a smooth and natural flow is crucial for effective communication. However, many individuals face common challenges that hinder their ability to maintain a seamless flow in their speech. Overcoming these challenges can significantly enhance one’s ability to communicate clearly and confidently. In this section, we will explore two common hurdles individuals face when it comes to speaking flow: difficulty transitioning between words and lack of confidence.

Difficulty Transitioning Between Words

One of the most common challenges individuals encounter when trying to maintain a smooth speaking flow is difficulty transitioning between words. This challenge often manifests in the form of hesitations, pauses, or stumbling over words while speaking. The inability to smoothly navigate from one word to another can disrupt the overall flow of speech and make it harder for listeners to follow along.

To address this challenge, it is important to develop strategies that enable effortless transitions between words. Here are a few techniques to help improve your word transitioning:

• Practice Tongue Twisters: Engaging in tongue twisters can help train your tongue, mouth, and vocal cords to move swiftly between words. Consistent practice with tongue twisters can significantly enhance your word transitioning abilities.
• Slow Down and Take a Breath: Oftentimes, individuals rush through their words, leading to poor transitions. Slowing down your pace and taking intentional breaths can provide you with the necessary time to smoothly transition from one word to the next.
• Conscious Word Linking: Focus on linking words together by blending sounds and reducing pauses. By consciously connecting each word, you can create a more seamless flow in your speech.
• Use Filler Phrases: Utilize filler phrases such as “umm” or “uhh” sparingly as placeholders to bridge gaps between words. However, be mindful not to overuse them, as it can become distracting.

Lack Of Confidence

Lack of confidence is another significant challenge that can hinder the overall speaking flow. When individuals are not confident in their speaking abilities, they may experience self-doubt, which can lead to hesitations, stammering, or a disjointed delivery.

To boost your confidence and improve your speaking flow, consider the following tips:

• Prepare and Practice: Thorough preparation and regular practice can help alleviate anxiety and increase your confidence. Familiarize yourself with the topic you plan to speak about and rehearse your speech or presentation multiple times.
• Visualize Success: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself speaking with confidence and fluency. This visualization exercise can help build a positive mindset and boost your self-assurance.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Acknowledge your strengths as a speaker and highlight them in your delivery. Emphasizing what you do well will reinforce your confidence and contribute to a smoother speaking flow.
• Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues to gain insights into areas where you can improve. Constructive feedback can help you address specific concerns and enhance your overall speaking flow.

Credit: www.flowspeaking.com

Tips To Overcome Challenges

Looking to improve your speaking flow? Follow these tips to overcome challenges and speak with confidence.

Utilize Pause Fillers

One of the biggest challenges in speaking flow is filling gaps in speech. It’s natural for pauses to occur as you gather your thoughts or transition between ideas. However, long pauses can disrupt the flow of your speech and make it difficult for listeners to stay engaged. That’s where pause fillers come in. Pause fillers are words or phrases used to fill those gaps in speech, allowing for a smoother and more natural flow. Utilizing pause fillers not only helps you sound more confident and fluent but also gives you a moment to collect your thoughts without losing your audience’s attention.

So, how do you effectively utilize pause fillers? Here are a few tips:

• Use common pause fillers: Some commonly used pause fillers include “um,” “uh,” “you know,” and “like.” These fillers are familiar to listeners and can help bridge the gaps in your speech. However, it’s important to use them sparingly and naturally to maintain credibility and avoid sounding repetitive.
• Practice using pause fillers: Incorporating pause fillers into your speech may feel unnatural at first, but with practice, it can become a valuable tool for maintaining speaking flow. Record yourself speaking or engage in conversations to identify areas where pause fillers can be useful and practice incorporating them into your speech.
• Be mindful of your tone and pacing: Along with using pause fillers, it’s essential to pay attention to your intonation and pacing. Varying your tone can add emphasis and interest to your speech, while maintaining a steady pace helps prevent interruptions or stumbling over words. Remember, the goal is to create a flow in your speaking that captivates listeners.

Focus On Intonation

Intonation plays a crucial role in effective communication. It involves the rise and fall of your voice, emphasizing key words or phrases, and conveying emotions or intent. When it comes to speaking flow, focusing on intonation can enhance the overall delivery and impact of your message.

Consider the following tips to improve your intonation:

• Punctuate your sentences: Just as punctuation marks guide readers in written text, you can use intonation to punctuate your sentences when speaking. Use rising intonation at the end of questions and falling intonation for statements. This helps convey meaning and engage your listeners.
• Emphasize key words: By emphasizing specific words or phrases, you can draw attention to important points or add emphasis to your speech. Experiment with emphasizing different words to convey different meanings and capture the interest of your audience.
• Practice vocal variety: Avoid speaking in a monotonous tone by incorporating vocal variety into your speech. This can include varying your pitch, volume, and pace to create a dynamic and engaging delivery. However, be mindful of maintaining clarity and ensuring your words are still easily understood.

By focusing on intonation and utilizing pause fillers, you can overcome challenges in speaking flow and deliver your message with confidence and clarity. Practice incorporating these tips into your speaking routine to develop a natural flow that captivates your audience!

Resources For Improving Speaking Flow

When it comes to improving your speaking flow in a foreign language, there are several valuable resources available online. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, these resources can provide you with the practice and feedback you need to become more fluent and confident. In this article, we will explore two important resources: online language exchange platforms and speech recognition apps.

Online Language Exchange Platforms

Online language exchange platforms are a fantastic way to improve your speaking flow. These platforms connect language learners from around the world, allowing you to practice speaking with native speakers. The beauty of these platforms is that they offer a variety of features to enhance your learning experience. For example:

• You can find conversation partners who are specifically interested in language exchange, ensuring a dedicated and focused speaking practice.
• Many platforms offer video or audio chat features, allowing you to have real-time conversations with your language partners.
• Some platforms provide built-in language assessment tools, enabling you to track your progress and identify areas where you need improvement.

Examples of popular online language exchange platforms include Verbling , Tandem , and italki . These platforms provide a supportive and interactive environment for language learners to practice speaking with native speakers, helping you to develop your speaking flow more effectively.

Speech Recognition Apps

Speech recognition apps are another valuable resource for improving your speaking flow. These apps use advanced technology to analyze and assess your speech, providing instant feedback on your pronunciation, intonation, and overall fluency. Some key features of speech recognition apps include:

• Interactive speaking exercises that prompt you to speak and provide feedback on your pronunciation.
• Automatic scoring and progress tracking to help you measure your improvement over time.
• Vocabulary and grammar exercises that integrate with the speaking practice, allowing you to simultaneously work on multiple language skills.

Two popular speech recognition apps that you can consider using are Duolingo and Rosetta Stone . These apps offer comprehensive language learning programs that incorporate speaking practice, ensuring that you can improve your speaking flow while also strengthening other aspects of the language.

Credit: mannerofspeaking.org

Frequently Asked Questions For Speaking Flow

Faq 1: what is speaking flow and why is it important.

Speaking flow refers to the smooth and continuous delivery of spoken words without pauses or hesitations. It is important as it enhances the clarity and effectiveness of communication.

Faq 2: How Can I Improve My Speaking Flow?

To improve your speaking flow, practice by reading aloud, using breathing techniques, and recording yourself to identify and eliminate any pauses or hesitations.

Faq 3: What Are Common Obstacles To Speaking Flow?

Common obstacles to speaking flow include nervousness, lack of preparation, unfamiliarity with the topic, and lack of confidence. Overcoming these obstacles can greatly improve your speaking flow.

Enhancing your speaking flow is essential for effective communication. By practicing and implementing strategies such as pausing, using appropriate body language, and employing vocal variety, you can become a more engaging and confident speaker. Remember to tailor your delivery to specific contexts and audiences, and continuously seek opportunities for improvement.

Developing a fluent and expressive speaking flow will undoubtedly benefit your personal and professional success. So, start honing your skills today and unlock the power of effective communication.

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How to create a natural flow in your speech?

What makes a speaker memorable?

More than content, more than structure or even accomplishments, it is the way they carry themselves.

Good speakers have a natural way of conveying their content in a merely conversational flow. You’d think this is how they’ve always been. However, this actually comes after many hours of practice.

But the good news is, this flow of speech can be learned! With the right set of transition words and our tips and tricks, you, too, can wow your audiences.

So, are you ready to discover your natural cadence?

Table of Contents

Memorization

A sprinkle of you, the secret to public speaking, practice your speech, tape yourself during practice, snip and shed, anchor yourself, keep your spirits up, know your stuff, contradiction, sequence/chronology, important ideas, visual aids, call to action, reinstating your point, transitioning between speakers, transition words table, incorrect transitions, inconsistent transitions, repetition of same transitions, wrapping up,, things to remember.

When it comes to public speaking, you will find hundreds of websites that think they have it all figured out.

This creates room for a lot of misconceptions. Before we get into our tips and tricks, let’s make sure we clear out any confusion:

In terms of memorization, people always seem to take an extremist point of view. Meaning that they either think you need to memorize the whole thing by heart or speak your heart out on stage.

Both of these can leave you vulnerable to looking either too robotic or unprepared. Having a proper speech structure is very important, but you don’t need to cling to it for dear life.

Let yourself have the freedom to elaborate. Have your key points so that you can keep yourself centered. 

While you chase important speech ingredients such as structure, body gestures, research, and so on, don’t forget to add the most important ingredient of them all: You.

There are thousands of speakers out there following the same formula, so what makes you different?

It is your personality quirks that add the natural element to it. So while it is important to get all these elements correct separately, don’t lose your core essence. 

Okay, you’ve unlocked a secret level. We’re going to tell you the secret to public speaking. The one true formula that never fails.

It will ensure perfect delivery every time. Do you believe us? We wouldn’t either. And yet, so many people are scavenging for the perfect public speaking tips.

There are so many different speech types that there simply cannot be one hard and fast rule. So you will need to experiment until you find a concoction that works for you.

What exactly makes your flow natural? It is the kind of delivery that feels smooth and conversational. The important thing is it has to keep from becoming dull or monotone.

You might have seen people knock their first speech off the park, but like most skills, some are more talented than the others.

This does not mean that you can’t catch up. After all, discipline provides the final push that only talent cannot suffice.  

To get right to it, here are our top eight tips on how you can create a natural flow in your speech:

Many speakers worry about the time limit and tend to treat it as a buzzer before which you need to fit all your info.

This can make your delivery sound rushed, especially if this speaking setting does not have a timer to keep you on track.

Even if you naturally tend to speak faster, we recommend you pace yourself. Keep in mind that you might be familiar with your content, but your audience isn’t. A good speaker has control over their pace and knows that pauses are friend, not foe.

Nothing breaks your illusion of spontaneity more than you have to stop to catch your breath as you speak.

You might think it looks as if you are so passionate about your speech that you aren’t pausing to breathe, but it rarely is so.

Think of how you sound in a conversation, try to mimic that ease on stage. Practice breathing and slow down so that you don’t sound nervous.

We know this seems like a really obvious suggestion. But you’d be surprised how many people correlate natural speaking with plain unpreparedness.

The spontaneity element that they are going for as a result comes across as incohesive. Many speakers make speaking look so natural that it leads others to believe that it is not the result of many hours of practice.

Your speech can also seem untethered without practice, and you will quickly lose your audience’s attention.

To avoid this, there is absolutely no substitute for practice. Whether you choose to do it alone or in the company of a small crowd of friends and family, you will need to know your content well so that you can experiment on the surrounding elements.

You might practice in front of the mirror a hundred times, but if you do it alone, there is a chance that you will not catch on to what exactly needs changing.

You might have your content down but might be delivering it with a stiff upper body or the wrong hand gestures. Are there enough pauses planned into your speech? What about purposeful stage movement? 

These are all things that are important but easy to miss if you do not pay attention to them. We recommend video recording yourself so you can notice these little habits.

It might seem tedious, but it is the best way to observe and analyze yourself.

You know yourself best, so you will immediately be able to spot if your energy seems off or if it seems like you’re putting on a show.

Notice your speed, energy, and vocal variety. With enough practice, you should total control over your delivery

We understand that when you write a speech, you tend to get quite attached to it. It seems like everything is an important point.

It is a war crime to even think about further editing it. But sometimes when we’re too close to something, it is difficult to see faults.

There might be parts where you are adding on unnecessary details. This time can be utilized for new information that might elevate your speech altogether.

Ensure you do some practice runs in front of trusted friends who can give you some honest feedback.

Ask yourself if everything in your speech adds to your message or if any of it rings as simply fluff? And if such, snip and shed off the excess. 

When you think of a natural flow, a common misconception is that it flows untamed. However, while you might think this looks uninhibited, it can come across as quite sloppy.

It is not classy to see somebody jump from one topic to another with no purpose in sight. Even though the point is to seem smooth, make sure you draw up basic key points and adhere to them.

You can add your own touch, but keep yourself anchored. The most natural speeches are not one without structure, but instead with an invisible one.

Your audience will only respond to your passion if you exude it. It is not their responsibility to bring in the enthusiasm but yours to lead them to it.

This is where it becomes essential that you pick a speech topic that excites you.

If the topic is already interesting to you, then it will seem much more natural than you simply keeping up the charade.

You cannot risk seeming dull and uninspiring on stage. Your audience will respond more easily to you if you can lift their spirits and get them engaged in your speech.

Let’s face it. No one garners more respect than a speaker who knows what he’s talking about.

This means that there can be absolutely no slacking when it comes to research. If you simply memorize only what you need for your speech, it will not have a natural flow to it.

Furthermore, if there is any audience interaction or questions from the audience, your hesitation will be apparent.

Do your homework, and once you know your content, you will find yourself speaking with much more ease.

Transition Words

A natural speech is simply a scattered collection of information that is weaved together with seamless transitions.

Once you learn how to properly utilize these, your speech should flow smoothly from opening, body, to conclusion.

Improper transitions can disrupt your natural flow and make your speech seem jumpy or choppy. They can take away from the otherwise perfect cadence you might have achieved.

Here are the different types of transitions in a speech:

Contradiction transitions are to be used in scenarios where you need to introduce a counterpoint.

This is the abrupt shift from one point of view to another. This type of transition is mostly useful in argumentative or persuasive speeches.

Instead of jumping from point to point, these provide a smooth switch between sides.

For instance: We’ve heard time and again about the many benefits of a vegan diet. But what about our protein requirements?

• Conversely…
• But what about…
• On the other hand…
• Contrast that with
• At the same time…
• But if we look at the other side…
• Contradictory to my previous statement…

Oftentimes you’ll find yourself formatting your content in a sequence format. It is easy to lose your audience in your details if you do not keep them on track.

This does not mean you need to pull out a whole numerical list, but just that you need to separate your transitions into bite-sized sections.

It is even better if you can announce to your audience early in the speech about the number of steps they can expect so that it is easier to follow along.

For instance: I’m going to give you the best fresh lemonade recipe ever in only three steps. The first thing you need to do is to make sure you have tons of ice. Secondly, you will…

• Firstly, Secondly, and Lastly
• Next, Then, After
• First, Followed by, and Finally
• The first thing, The second thing, The third thing

There can be many instances when you need to provide examples to support your idea. Using a transition can help it from getting repetitive.

It is also handy to know more transition words for this situation as it might be recurring in your speech.

• For example…
• For instance…
• You know how…
• Some instances can be…
• Take the case of…
• To understand this…

Let’s face it. No matter how much you love your content, not all of it will be equally important.

There are key moments and ideas that you’d like to stand out from the rest.

But if you speak in a monotone format throughout without any emphasizing, then these ideas are likely to get lost.

These aren’t exactly transition words but how you can perform the switch to these sections.

• Pause: Instead of using transitional words to fill up the gap, let your audience absorb the idea by using a few seconds of pause.
• Pace Yourself: A change in pace signifies to the audience that this is something important to pay attention to. Even just slowing down as you enunciate your words can go a long way for your important ideas.
• Question: To switch things up, try asking a question before your idea. The idea can even serve as an answer. This way, your audience is more likely to remember it as it stands out from the rest of the speech. 
• Gestures and Movement: Any physical change can break the monotony that was previously built up. You can try incorporating body gestures as well as stage movement to bring a physical transition for extra emphasis.

This particular situation is when you are using visual aids such as Powerpoint slides, flipcharts, and so on.

Instead of just having pauses every time to switch slides or zero in on a point, you can use these transitions.

• If you will direct your attention to the slides…
• As you can see here…
• Moving to the next slide…
• As this graph indicates…
• As the slide displays…

Call to action is usually added to the end of a speech. You can include them after your summary or wherever it fits your speech in between as well.

The importance of a transition in this scenario is to add more emphasis. Your goal is to convince your audience to perform a task, so you need to break the routine to get through to them.

• So, what can you do about this?
• How can you apply this in your life?
• I challenge you to try this when you get home.
• If what I said today rings true to you, then here’s how you can help.
• I urge you to try

When giving a speech, you will most likely have to repeat your key points several times. However, simply repeating these points will get very dull for your audience.

These are the transitions that will make sure restating this information does not lose its essence.

• Let’s revisit…
• If you remember, when we discussed…
• Let me take you back to…
• We discussed this earlier…
• Let me elaborate once again on the…

This transition is for when you are sharing the stage with multiple people.

Instead of abruptly stopping or having an awkward pause as you switch speakers, you can use one of these to ensure everything goes smoothly. It will also make it easier for the audience to follow along.

• I’d like to invite my teammate [name] to elaborate on these points…
• I will be passing the stage to [name] to further discuss other strategies…
• I’ll now be calling upon [name] to talk about the upcoming points…
• To talk about the other perspective, we have [name]…

What to avoid in Transitions?

We’ve picked up all these useful transition skills, but it is just as important to know what to avoid.

Incorrect transitions can really distract from your content and make it appear clunky and unprepared. Here’s what to avoid:

Humans, by fault, zero in on fault quite easily. If you use a transition incorrectly, they are likely to think about it for a while, which can lead to them missing important sections of your speech.

Some common examples can be using a contradictory transition such as, however, conversely, despite this, but then continuing on the same trajectory.

Make sure you understand which transition words are fit for which scenarios.

This is a common mistake when it comes to chronological or sequential narration. You need to pick a pattern and stick to it.

If you begin with, Firstly, Secondly, and the third point is, then it disrupts the flow. Even if it seems small, it adds this inconsistency that some audiences might find it difficult to excuse.

Remember, we are using transitions to break out of the monotony, which is why if you end up using the same transitions over and over, it can add to the problem itself. Which is why we have provided you with many options to choose from. Pick and choose to add variety and keep it interesting.

A natural flow makes you think of an easy and smooth ride with no hitches. Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of practice to make it this way.

With our tips and tricks, you should be able to deliver a speech that is simply conversational in delivery. The right transitions will make your content easy to follow and can help you maintain audience interest throughout. 

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Chapter 1: The Speech Communication Process

The Speech Communication Process

• Listener(s)

Interference

As you might imagine, the speaker is the crucial first element within the speech communication process. Without a speaker, there is no process.  The  speaker  is simply the person who is delivering, or presenting, the speech.  A speaker might be someone who is training employees in your workplace. Your professor is another example of a public speaker as s/he gives a lecture. Even a stand-up comedian can be considered a public speaker. After all, each of these people is presenting an oral message to an audience in a public setting. Most speakers, however, would agree that the listener is one of the primary reasons that they speak.

The listener is just as important as the speaker; neither one is effective without the other.  The  listener  is the person or persons who have assembled to hear the oral message.  Some texts might even call several listeners an “audience. ” The listener generally forms an opinion as to the effectiveness of the speaker and the validity of the speaker’s message based on what they see and hear during the presentation. The listener’s job sometimes includes critiquing, or evaluating, the speaker’s style and message. You might be asked to critique your classmates as they speak or to complete an evaluation of a public speaker in another setting. That makes the job of the listener extremely important. Providing constructive feedback to speakers often helps the speaker improve her/his speech tremendously.

Another crucial element in the speech process is the message.  The  message  is what the speaker is discussing or the ideas that s/he is presenting to you as s/he covers a particular topic.  The important chapter concepts presented by your professor become the message during a lecture. The commands and steps you need to use, the new software at work, are the message of the trainer as s/he presents the information to your department. The message might be lengthy, such as the President’s State of the Union address, or fairly brief, as in a five-minute presentation given in class.

The  channel  is the means by which the message is sent or transmitted.  Different channels are used to deliver the message, depending on the communication type or context. For instance, in mass communication, the channel utilized might be a television or radio broadcast. The use of a cell phone is an example of a channel that you might use to send a friend a message in interpersonal communication. However, the channel typically used within public speaking is the speaker’s voice, or more specifically, the sound waves used to carry the voice to those listening. You could watch a prerecorded speech or one accessible on YouTube, and you might now say the channel is the television or your computer. This is partially true. However, the speech would still have no value if the speaker’s voice was not present, so in reality, the channel is now a combination of the two -the speaker’s voice broadcast through an electronic source.

The context is a bit more complicated than the other elements we have discussed so far. The context is more than one specific component. For example, when you give a speech in your classroom, the classroom, or  the physical location of your speech, is part of the context  . That’s probably the easiest part of context to grasp.

But you should also consider that the  people in your audience expect you to behave in a certain manner, depending on the physical location or the occasion of the presentation  . If you gave a toast at a wedding, the audience wouldn’t be surprised if you told a funny story about the couple or used informal gestures such as a high-five or a slap on the groom’s back. That would be acceptable within the expectations of your audience, given the occasion. However, what if the reason for your speech was the presentation of a eulogy at a loved one’s funeral? Would the audience still find a high-five or humor as acceptable in that setting? Probably not. So the expectations of your audience must be factored into context as well.

The cultural rules -often unwritten and sometimes never formally communicated to us -are also a part of the context. Depending on your culture, you would probably agree that there are some “rules ” typically adhered to by those attending a funeral. In some cultures, mourners wear dark colors and are somber and quiet. In other cultures, grieving out loud or beating one’s chest to show extreme grief is traditional. Therefore,  the rules from our culture  -no matter what they are -play a part in the context as well.

Every speaker hopes that her/his speech is clearly understood by the audience. However, there are times when some obstacle gets in the way of the message and interferes with the listener’s ability to hear what’s being said.  This is  interference  , or you might have heard it referred to as “noise. ”  Every speaker must prepare and present with the assumption that interference is likely to be present in the speaking environment.

Interference can be mental, physical, or physiological.  Mental interference  occurs when the listener is not fully focused on what s/he is hearing due to her/his own thoughts.  If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming in class during a lecture, you’re experiencing mental interference. Your own thoughts are getting in the way of the message.

A second form of interference is  physical interference  . This is noise in the literal sense -someone coughing behind you during a speech or the sound of a mower outside the classroom window. You may be unable to hear the speaker because of the surrounding environmental noises.

The last form of interference is  physiological  . This type of interference occurs when your body is responsible for the blocked signals. A deaf person, for example, has the truest form of physiological interference; s/he may have varying degrees of difficulty hearing the message. If you’ve ever been in a room that was too cold or too hot and found yourself not paying attention, you’re experiencing physiological interference. Your bodily discomfort distracts from what is happening around you.

The final component within the speech process is feedback. While some might assume that the speaker is the only one who sends a message during a speech, the reality is that the  listeners in the audience are sending a message of their own, called  feedback  .  Often this is how the speaker knows if s/he is sending an effective message. Occasionally the feedback from listeners comes in verbal form – questions from the audience or an angry response from a listener about a key point presented. However, in general, feedback during a presentation is typically non-verbal -a student nodding her/his head in agreement or a confused look from an audience member. An observant speaker will scan the audience for these forms of feedback, but keep in mind that non-verbal feedback is often more difficult to spot and to decipher. For example, is a yawn a sign of boredom, or is it simply a tired audience member?

Generally, all of the above elements are present during a speech. However, you might wonder what the process would look like if we used a diagram to illustrate it. Initially, some students think of public speaking as a linear process -the speaker sending a message to the listener -a simple, straight line. But if you’ll think about the components we’ve just covered, you begin to see that a straight line cannot adequately represent the process, when we add listener feedback into the process. The listener is sending her/his own message back to the speaker, so perhaps the process might better be represented as circular. Add in some interference and place the example in context, and you have a more complete idea of the speech process.

Fundamentals of Public Speaking Copyright © by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Make Sure Your Speech Flows

It’s very important that your speech have an intrinsic rhythm or “flow”; otherwise, it may come across to listeners as staccato, dull and/or uninspiring. But how do you ensure that your next presentation has a natural cadence that adds to the clarity and energy of the information being conveyed?

Though some people do have a natural gift for writing and delivering speeches that keep audience members spellbound from beginning to end, it’s absolutely fine if you didn’t receive that talent at birth. The ability to create a “flowing” presentation can be learned, and it’s probably much easier than you think.

To begin, try these top seven suggestions for maximum results during your next public speaking engagement:

1. Pace Yourself

Great public speakers know that the clock isn’t their enemy; it’s their friend. Keep a wrist or pocket watch on the podium or somewhere easy-to-spot, as its presence will ensure that you won’t have to rush at any point during your speech.

2. Tape Yourself

Most people hate the sound of their own voices or the way they look on camera, but if you want to become a better speaker, it’s time to get out the video camera (or at least the tape recorder.) Record yourself giving a 15-20 minute speech and then play it back. Watch and listen for times when your energy is waning and the flow seems “off”. The more often you do this, the more comfortable you will become with keeping a steady tone and cadence, even if you have to give an unexpected speech.

3. Practice Your Speech

You might be surprised to hear that there are quite a number of speech makers who feel that they shouldn’t bother to practice a presentation lest the “magic” and “spontaneity” of it be lost. Unfortunately for them (and their audiences), what usually happens is that the speech has little flow and the public speaker bounces from one topic to another with the unpredictability of a ping pong ball. Instead of doing likewise, practice your speech alone… or, better yet, in front of a trusted colleague, family member or friend. (Pets do well in a pinch, too, just to give you a sense that someone’s watching and listening.)

4. Evaluate Your Speech for Superfluous Add-ons

As you’re writing your speech, evaluate every aspect of it for necessity. Though some information may seem relevant to you at first glance, ask yourself if listeners honestly need to know what you are dying to tell them. And if the answer is “no”, take out that piece of the presentation. When your speech is free of fluff, it will have a much better flow.

5. Stick to Your Topic

Having a point should be the main goal of every speech writer; but it doesn’t always happen that way. Some writers and speakers can be quite sloppy, and the flow of their presentations reflect their inability to boil a speech down to its elementary essence. As you’re writing your speech, do as you did in #4 above – ask the tough questions of yourself and be prepared to jettison anything that doesn’t belong.

6. Be Enthusiastic

Even if you’re not “sold” on your topic, have a passion for it when presenting. (Or at least learn how to act like you do.) Otherwise, finding and sustaining a natural flow will be nearly impossible and listeners will not be engaged in the experience, as they’ll immediately sense that you’re uninspired.

7. Know Your Subject

Finally, it’s vital to know what you’re talking about, even if that means you have to research and study for tens of hours before writing and giving your speech. Let’s face facts – if you don’t have a clue as to your topic, it will be difficult to have a rhythm when discussing it in front of a crowd. Do your homework, and you’ll be ready for anything during your speech.

Real English Conversation

How to Improve English Speaking Fluency 

Do you dream of being a confident, fluent English speaker?

But it seems like no matter how much you study, you cannot have a god speaking flow ?…

In this article, I’ll explain my favorite and most effective fluency activity that will boost your confidence and give you renewed hope that it is possible to speak English fluently !

How Can We Define Fluent Speaking?

Depending on who you ask, fluency has a different meaning and idea that they imagine.

But we can all agree, that it is related to the word ‘flow’.

For me, I believe speaking fluency is the ability to link your thoughts together using connective words and phrases in a way that feels easy and is almost automatically connects spontaneous thoughts together in a way that ‘flows’.

English Speaking Fluency Activity

This speaking exercise is  very effective  in helping you to develop your speaking skills and it can be completed in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect exercise if you do not have much time or if you need to improve quickly.

I understand that it can be difficult to practice speaking alone. It can be difficult to get started…

The fact is that most students would rather read, write, study grammar, review vocabulary. Speaking is difficult when you aren’t very good at it and it is uncomfortable. With regular practice, it will get easier!

I recommend making a decision right now to TRY this activity and see what you think.

An Effective Speaking Activity You Can Do Alone!

If you feel embarrassed by your speaking skills, I have good news for you. This activity is most effective when you practice it ALONE in the privacy of your own home. Without the pressure of another person waiting for you to answer and the ability to look up words you need in a dictionary, you will be able to use new vocabulary with confidence.

Speak, Learn & Repeat: Say it 3 Times

The first time you do this activity, I recommend choosing a topic that you can talk about for a few minutes.

In the video above, I asked the question: 

“How will speaking English fluently change your life?”

Other questions you can answer are: 

• What is something that made you happy this week?
• What was the most frustrating or annoying thing this week?
• Explain the last picture that you took on your phone?
• What is a typical day like at your job?

You can talk about an interesting article you’ve read, a news story, a television show, a movie or even a podcast that you listened to… Pick a topic that you’d like to be able to talk about with more confidence and fluency!

How Detailed Should My Answer Be?

Beginner level.

• You may need to write down some notes and words to help you. Your goal should be to speak for 30 to 60 seconds (or 1-3 sentences).

Intermediate Level

• You should try to speak for 1 to 3 minutes (6-10 sentences). If you feel like you sentences are very short and direct, take a moment to think about how you would answer the question in your native language to get some ideas about the detail you can add.

Advanced Level

• Your answer should be very long and detailed. Think about adding extra details, your opinion, experiences that have happened to you, etc. Ideally, your answer should be at least 5 minutes long or until you run out of ideas to talk about.

Discover New Vocabulary & Use What You’ve Learned

One of the best things about this fluency in speaking exercise is that you realize vocabulary you are missing and you have the opportunity to can immediately use it immediately. This ‘activates’ the vocabulary and makes it much easier to use in a real, spontaneous English conversation you will have in the future.

Additionally, it allows you to practice grammar structures that you have to think about. After using those structures 3 times, it will start to feel much easier to use and even automatic.

This activity can be done until you reach your speaking fluency goals. As you advance, you will start talking about the more advanced topics and using more advanced vocabulary.

Speaking Activity Instructions:

How to improve speaking fluency ?

Step 1: Start trying to explain what the topic is about. Tell the story as if it is something interesting that you are explaining to someone in a conversational way.

Step 2: Write down the words or phrases that you do not know as you are trying to speak. Look up these new words you recognize that you need to know in order to tell the story.

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you feel confident with your ability to express your idea clearly and with a good speaking flow .

A Little Story About Me…

(If you skipped the video above, I recommend watching it for a couple of minutes. It pretty much summarizes what I’ve written here)

I am a language learner, just like you. 

Born and raised in Canada, my native language was English and I didn’t start seriously learning a second language, which was Spanish, until I was an adult.

In total, I was ‘learning’ Spanish for 14 years at a beginner level. Even after 5 or 6 years of trying to study on my own, I wasn’t able to say a simple sentence.

Fast forward a few years to the point where I learned HOW to learn a language on my own.

I discovered this ‘Repeat it 3 Times’ technique when I decided that I was going to tell an online language partner about the book I was reading.

Speaking Attempt #1

I decided to try to explain it to myself using the words I knew….

It was BAD. I had NO speaking flow, I was lacking basic verbs and I didn’t know how to connect the sentences well.

Next, I wrote down the words I needed to learn and realized I also need to know the ‘conversational connector words’: so, then, and, now, but, you know, anyways, after, later, etc.

When these words are used, they sound extended. The word ‘so’ sounds like ‘soooooooooo’. Or ‘and’ is said like aaaaaaannnnnnnd.

If you listen to a real conversation , you will hear how often these words are used and how they ‘buy time’ for the speaker to organize their thoughts. Conversational English is different from written English in the way it is communicated.

Speaking Attempt #2

After finding the vocabulary I needed, I tried to explain the story again. It was easier this time but I changed how I was explaining it a bit. This changed the verb tenses I was using, gave me new ‘grammar structures’ to think about and of course, new words.

I started to describe things in greater detail which meant I needed to look up more words and phrases that I was discovering I didn’t know.

Speaking Attempt #3

On the third try, I felt like a champion!

The words seemed like they were flowing out of my mouth, the grammar was already organized in my head and I was able to remember the new vocabulary.

The next day, I tried the summary again. To my surprise, I was able to remember the new words even though I had not studied them AND I was able to explain the story in even more detail with the best speaking flow I have ever experienced.

Speak English with Confidence and Better Fluency!

10 Simple Steps for Smooth Speech

10 Simple Steps for Smooth Speech Image source: Screenrant.com

“Smooth Speech” is also referred to as Fluency , but what exactly does that mean? It’s a term used in Speech Pathology that means smoothness or flow in which sounds, syllables, words and phrases are joined together. While there are many types of fluency — including language fluency, reading fluency, or fluency in reference to speaking a foreign language — speech fluency refers to the ability to speak smoothly and easily.

Speech fluency disorders are conditions such as stammering or stuttering, cluttering or even mumbling.  While fluency tends to be an issue for kids who are just learning to speak, fluency can also be factor in determining how well an adult speaks.  Do you struggle to get your words out when trying to explain something? Do you become nervous or tense when you are asked to speak in front of others? If so, relax!  There are simple steps that you can follow, or your child can follow to get on the path to smooth speech. And NO, I’m not talking about “smooth talking” as in “schmooze talking.” Follow these simple steps to smooth speech fluency!

 10 Simple Steps for Smooth Speech Fluency

• Be a good role model . This is particularly important if the person trying to improve fluency is your child.  Model the speech behavior you would like to see from your child.
• Speak slowly . Don’t rush to speech, it’s difficult to do anything when you are in a hurry.
• Breath naturally. Breath easily and naturally so that you do not run out of air when you talk.
• Start slowly. The slower you begin to speak, the more relaxed your vocal chords become.  You can speed up gently as you gain confidence.
• Practice public speaking . The more experience you have speaking in front of others, the easier and more fluent your speech will become.
• Keep your eyes and ears open. Become aware of how people are speaking around you may to help gauge whether your speech fluency is good, or may need a little work. Listen for differences in speaking patterns and rhythms.
• Articulate consonants . Stop to articulate certain consonants such as “t” and “b”, and differentiate your vowel sounds clearly.
• Practice, practice, practice.  Yes, that old saying rings true!  Practice makes perfect , or at least better.
• Sing!   No, you don’t have to sing in front of anyone, the shower will do.  Singing helps with proper voice utilization, and you will learn about using air, breath, articulation and speed of your speech.
• Be patient with yourself or your child. You cannot expect to learn to speak fluently and easily in one day. Give yourself or your child space to experiment and improve without a timeline.

The best way to improve your speech fluency, or your child’s fluency is to allow yourself time each day to practice a few steps.  Be confident!  If there are certain words that are tripping you up, practice only those words until you get them right. With practice and patience, yours or your child’s speech fluency will be a smooth as silk.

Chapter 10: Delivering a Speech

10.3 vocal delivery, learning objectives.

• Identify elements of vocal delivery that make a speech more engaging.
• Identify elements of vocal delivery that make a speech clearer.
• Discuss the relationship between vocal delivery and speaker credibility.

Vocal delivery includes components of speech delivery that relate to your voice. These include rate, volume, pitch, articulation, pronunciation, and fluency. Our voice is important to consider when delivering our speech for two main reasons. First, vocal delivery can help us engage and interest the audience. Second, vocal delivery helps ensure that our ideas are communicated clearly.

Speaking for Engagement

We have all had the displeasure of listening to an unengaging speaker. Even though the person may care about his or her topic, an unengaging delivery that doesn’t communicate enthusiasm will translate into a lack of interest for most audience members. Although a speaker can be visually engaging by incorporating movement and gestures, which we will discuss more later, a flat or monotone vocal delivery can be sedating or even annoying. Incorporating vocal variety in terms of rate, volume, and pitch is key to being a successful speaker.

Rate of speaking refers to how fast or slow you speak. If you speak too fast, your audience will not be able to absorb the information you present. If you speak too slowly, the audience may lose interest. The key is to vary your rate of speaking in a middle range, staying away from either extreme, in order to keep your audience engaged. In general, a higher rate of speaking signals that a speaker is enthusiastic about his or her topic. Speaking slowly may lead the audience to infer that the speaker is uninterested, uninformed, or unprepared to present his or her own topic. These negative assumptions, whether they are true or not, are likely to hurt the credibility of the speaker. Having evaluated thousands of speeches, I can say that, in terms of rate, the issue speakers face is speaking too fast. The goal is to speak at a rate that will interest the audience and will effectively convey your information. Speaking at a slow rate throughout a speech would likely bore an audience, but that is not a common occurrence.

Some people naturally speak faster than others, which is fine, but we can all alter our rate of speaking with practice. If you find that you are a naturally fast speaker, make sure that you do not “speed talk” through your speech when practicing it. Even if you try to hold back when actually delivering your speech, you may fall back into your practice routine and speak too fast. You can also include reminders to “slow down” on your speaking outline.

Volume refers to how loud or soft your voice is. As with speaking rate, you want to avoid the extremes of being too loud or too soft, but still vary your volume within an acceptable middle range. When speaking in a typically sized classroom or office setting that seats about twenty-five people, using a volume a few steps above a typical conversational volume is usually sufficient. When speaking in larger rooms, you will need to project your voice. You may want to look for nonverbal cues from people in the back rows or corners, like leaning forward or straining to hear, to see if you need to adjust your volume more. Obviously, in some settings, a microphone will be necessary to be heard by the entire audience. Like rate, audiences use volume to make a variety of judgments about a speaker. Softer speakers are sometimes judged as meek, which may lead to lowered expectations for the speech or less perceived credibility. Loud speakers may be seen as overbearing or annoying, which can lead audience members to disengage from the speaker and message. Be aware of the volume of your voice and, when in doubt, increase your volume a notch, since beginning speakers are more likely to have an issue of speaking too softly rather than too loudly.

Speak a couple steps above your regular volume for speeches that occur in typically sized classrooms or meeting rooms that seat twenty to forty people. A microphone may be necessary for larger groups or rooms.

Speaker at Podium – CC BY 2.0.

Pitch refers to how high or low a speaker’s voice is. As with other vocal qualities, there are natural variations among people’s vocal pitch. Unlike rate and volume, there are more physiological limitations on the control we have over pitch. For example, males generally have lower pitched voices than females. Despite these limitations, each person still has the capability to intentionally change their pitch across a range large enough to engage an audience. Changing pitch is a good way to communicate enthusiasm and indicate emphasis or closure. In general, our pitch goes up when we are discussing something exciting. Our pitch goes down slightly when we emphasize a serious or important point. Lowering pitch is also an effective way to signal transitions between sections of your speech or the end of your speech, which cues your audience to applaud and avoids an awkward ending.

Of the vocal components of delivery discussed so far, pitch seems to give beginning speakers the most difficulty. There is a stark difference between the way I hear students speak before and after class and the way they speak when they get in front of the class. It’s like giving a speech temporarily numbs their ability to vary their pitch. Record yourself practicing your speech to help determine if the amount of pitch variety and enthusiasm you think you convey while speaking actually comes through. Speakers often assume that their pitch is more varied and their delivery more enthusiastic than the audience actually perceives it to be. Many of my students note this on the self-evaluations they write after viewing their recorded speech.

Vocal Variety

Overall, the lesson to take away from this section on vocal delivery is that variety is key. Vocal variety includes changes in your rate, volume, and pitch that can make you look more prepared, seem more credible, and be able to engage your audience better. Employing vocal variety is not something that takes natural ability or advanced skills training. It is something that beginning speakers can start working on immediately and everyone can accomplish. The key is to become aware of how you use your voice when you speak, and the best way to do this is to record yourself. We all use vocal variety naturally without thinking about it during our regular conversations, and many of us think that this tendency will translate over to our speaking voices. This is definitely not the case for most beginning speakers. Unlike in your regular conversations, it will take some awareness and practice to use vocal variety in speeches. I encourage students to make this a delivery priority early on. Since it’s something anyone can do, improving in this area will add to your speaking confidence, which usually translates into better speeches and better grades further on.

Speaking for Clarity

In order to be an effective speaker, your audience should be able to understand your message and digest the information you present. Audience members will make assumptions about our competence and credibility based on how we speak. As with other aspects of speech delivery, many people are not aware that they have habits of speech that interfere with their message clarity. Since most of our conversations are informal and take place with people we know, many people don’t make a concerted effort to articulate every word clearly and pronounce every word correctly, and most of the people we talk to either don’t notice our errors or don’t correct us if they do notice. Since public speaking is generally more formal than our conversations, we should be more concerned with the clarity of our speech.

Articulation

Articulation refers to the clarity of sounds and words we produce. If someone is articulate, they speak words clearly, and speakers should strive to speak clearly. Poor articulation results when speakers do not speak clearly. For example, a person may say dinnt instead of didn’t , gonna instead of going to , wanna instead of want to , or hunnerd instead of hundred . Unawareness and laziness are two common challenges to articulation. As with other aspects of our voice, many people are unaware that they regularly have errors in articulation. Recording yourself speak and then becoming a higher self-monitor are effective ways to improve your articulation. Laziness, on the other hand, requires a little more motivation to address. Some people just get in the habit of not articulating their words well. I’m sure we all know someone who mumbles when they speak or slurs their words together. From my experience, this is a problem that I’ve noticed more among men than women. Both mumbling and slurring are examples of poor articulation. In more informal settings, this type of speaking may be acceptable, but in formal settings, it will be negatively evaluated, which will hurt a speaker’s credibility. Perhaps the promise of being judged more favorably, which may help a person become more successful, is enough to motivate a mumbler to speak more clearly.

When combined with a low volume, poor articulation becomes an even greater problem. Doing vocal warm-ups like the ones listed in Section 10.1 “Managing Public Speaking Anxiety” or tongue twisters can help prime your mouth, lips, and tongue to articulate words more clearly. When you notice that you have trouble articulating a particular word, you can either choose a different word to include in your speech or you can repeat it a few times in a row in the days leading up to your speech to get used to saying it.

Pronunciation

Unlike articulation, which focuses on the clarity of words, pronunciation refers to speaking words correctly, including the proper sounds of the letters and the proper emphasis. Mispronouncing words can damage a speaker’s credibility, especially when the correct pronunciation of a word is commonly known. I have actually heard someone, presenting on the topic of pronunciation, mispronounce the word pronunciation , saying “pro-NOUN-ciation” instead of “pro-NUN-ciation.” In such a case, it would not be unwarranted for the audience to question the speaker’s expertise on the subject.

We all commonly run into words that we are unfamiliar with and therefore may not know how to pronounce. I offer my students three suggestions when faced with this problem. The first is to look the word up in an online dictionary. Many dictionaries have a speaker icon with their definitions, and when you click on it, you can hear the correct pronunciation of a word. Some words have more than one pronunciation—for example, Caribbean —so choosing either of the accepted pronunciations is fine. Just remember to consistently use that pronunciation to avoid confusing your audience. If a word doesn’t include an audio pronunciation, you can usually find the phonetic spelling of a word, which is the word spelled out the way it sounds. There will occasionally be words that you can’t locate in a dictionary. These are typically proper nouns or foreign words. In this case, I suggest the “phone-a-friend” strategy. Call up the people you know who have large vocabularies or are generally smart when it comes to words, and ask them if they know how to pronounce it. If they do, and you find them credible, you’re probably safe to take their suggestion. The third option is to “fake it ‘til you make it” and should only be used as a last resort. If you can’t find the word in a dictionary and your smart friends don’t know how to pronounce it, it’s likely that your audience will also be unfamiliar with the word. In that case, using your knowledge of how things are typically pronounced, decide on a pronunciation that makes sense and confidently use it during your speech. Most people will not question it. In the event that someone does correct you on your pronunciation, thank him or her for correcting you and adjust your pronunciation.

Fluency refers to the flow of your speaking. To speak with fluency means that your speech flows well and that there are not many interruptions to that flow. There are two main disfluencies, or problems that affect the flow of a speech. Fluency hiccups are unintended pauses in a speech that usually result from forgetting what you were saying, being distracted, or losing your place in your speaking notes. Fluency hiccups are not the same as intended pauses, which are useful for adding emphasis or transitioning between parts of a speech. While speakers should try to minimize fluency hiccups, even experienced speakers need to take an unintended pause sometimes to get their bearings or to recover from an unexpected distraction. Fluency hiccups become a problem when they happen regularly enough to detract from the speaker’s message.

Verbal fillers are words that speakers use to fill in a gap between what they were saying and what they’re saying next. Common verbal fillers include um , uh , ah , er , you know , and like . The best way to minimize verbal fillers is to become a higher self-monitor and realize that you use them. Many students are surprised when they watch the video of their first speech and realize they said “um” thirty times in three minutes. Gaining that awareness is the first step in eliminating verbal fillers, and students make noticeable progress with this between their first and second speeches. If you do lose your train of thought, having a brief fluency hiccup is better than injecting a verbal filler, because the audience may not even notice the pause or may think it was intentional.

Common Causes of Fluency Hiccups

• Lack of preparation. Effective practice sessions are the best way to prevent fluency hiccups.
• Not writing for speaking. If you write your speech the way you’ve been taught to write papers, you will have fluency hiccups. You must translate the written words into something easier for you to present orally. To do this, read your speech aloud and edit as you write to make sure your speech is easy for you to speak.
• A poorly prepared speaking outline. Whether it is on paper or note cards, sloppy writing, unorganized bullet points, or incomplete/insufficient information on a speaking outline leads to fluency hiccups.
• Distractions. Audience members and the external environment are unpredictable. Hopefully audience members will be polite and will silence their phones, avoid talking while the speaker is presenting, and avoid moving excessively. There could also be external noise that comes through a door or window. A speaker can also be distracted by internal noise such as thinking about other things.

“Getting Plugged In”

Delivering Presentations Online

As many people and organizations are trying to do more with smaller budgets, and new software becomes available, online presentations are becoming more common. Whether using a Webinar format, a WebEx, Skype, FaceTime, Elluminate Live, or some other program, the live, face-to-face audience is now mediated through a computer screen. Despite this change in format, many of the same basic principles of public speaking apply when speaking to people virtually. Yet many business professionals seem to forget the best practices of public speaking when presenting online or don’t get that they apply in both settings. The website TheVirtualPresenter.com offers many tips for presenting online that we’ve covered in this book, including be audience focused, have engaging delivery, and use visual aids effectively (Courville, 2012). Yet speakers need to think about some of these things differently when presenting online. We have natural ways to engage an audience when presenting face-to-face, but since many online presentations are only one-way in terms of video, speakers have to rely on technology like audience polls, live chat, or options for audience members to virtually raise their hand when they have a question to get feedback while speaking. Also, in some formats, the audience can only see the presenter’s computer desktop or slide show, which pulls attention away from physical delivery and makes vocal delivery and visual aids more important. Extemporaneous delivery and vocal variety are still key when presenting online. Reading from your slides or having a monotone voice will likely not make a favorable impression on your audience. The lesson to take away is that presenting online requires the same skills as presenting in person, so don’t let the change in format lead you to make mistakes that will make you a less effective speaker.

• Have you ever presented online or been an audience member for an online presentation? If so, describe your experience and compare it to face-to-face speaking.
• What are some of the key differences between presenting online and presenting in person that a speaker should consider?
• How might online presentations play into your future career goals? What types of presentations do you think you would give? What could you do to ensure the presentations are effective?

Key Takeaways

• Speakers should use vocal variety, which is changes in rate, volume, and pitch, to make a speech more engaging.
• Speakers should use proper articulation and pronunciation to make their message clear.
• Interruptions to the fluency of a speech, including fluency hiccups and verbal fillers, detract from the speaker’s message and can lessen a speaker’s credibility.
• Record yourself practicing your speech. How does your speech sound in terms of vocal variety? Cite specific examples.
• Listen to your recorded speech again. How would you evaluate your articulation and pronunciation? Cite specific examples.
• Over the course of a day, take note of verbal fillers that you tend to use. List them here so you can be a higher self-monitor and begin to notice and lessen your use of them.

Courville, R., “Delivery,” TheVirtualPresenter.com, accessed November 5, 2012, http://thevirtualpresenter.com/category/delivery .

• Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies. Provided by : University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing edition, 2016. This edition adapted from a work originally produced in 2013 by a publisher who has requested that it not receive attribution.. Located at : https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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19 Aug 2018

Flow in Public Speaking

Any otherwise brilliant speakers go wonky by not getting their balance and flow right. they talk too long or put emphasis on just one topic leaving no room for any other points in the rest of their talk or try to cram so much info in that the audience can’t remember anything balance is all about order and power and getting the flow of your speech just right so that is comprehensible and a power filled way to influence your audience..

To read the full article go to Ginger Public Speaking 

What is balance? Using the right amount of the right type of information. Maximizing content flow for optimal effectiveness. Ordering content to add drama so that the audience remembers your key points. Just like anything else, if you plan well then things will go swimmingly. Speaking without structure is like making a house out of custard. When the form of your speech is wobbling and wavering, you won’t convey the most effective message! Planning the flow of your speech will make your speaking shine!

Managing your flow ISN’T about: Chaining you to bullet points: When you’ve got a structure for your speech, you don’t have to be obsessive about it. Most times it’s the moments we deviate from our course is when we seem the most human and likeable. Even though you need structure, don’t forget to leave a bit of wiggle room.

Taking away your personality: When you structure a speech, you CANNOT forget about the other pillars of the Public Speaking House – Awareness, Empathy, and Freshness!

A foolproof formula:

Different talks has different purposes, so there’s no ONE formula for a perfect speech structure. If that were the case then audiences would revolt and throw tomatoes and demand something more innovative. Imagine how boring it would be to hear the same type of speech over and over! You must be creative with your balance, finding what works for YOU in order to keep the audience absorbed.

Managing your flow can be: Your best mate: Structure helps you organise so that you don’t have to make snap decisions on stage. Finding a balance is about making it easier for you to make an impact.

Your anchor: A firm centered base on which you can rely, allowing you to improvise yet still come back to your key points.

Your superpower : By creating your crucial moments before you speak, you don’t have to flounder for inspiration while you’re speaking. You already have a plan in place in which you have confidence. When you’ve already made your decision about what’s important, you can truly put your whole self into a powerful moment.

Map out a compelling flow :

Figure out where the intensity of your talk should rise and utilise techniques for maximum impact. The most common flow is the classic ‘Headlines – Content – Headlines’. Like on the evening news, it gives the audience the security of knowing what your talk is going to be about. Many times the conclusion is overlooked in the rush to cover ALL the other material. Don’t do this! That little last 10% is vital to helping your audience understand and remember your message.

Connect the dots! Show your audience piece by piece how your information connects to your message.

Take your audience on a journey, pointing out interesting features and building excitement for them. Don’t just dump information on them, that’s not much better than reading them a grocery list. If your audience doesn’t feel that your talk is building towards something, they’ll just stop listening.

1) Pick which mountain you’d like to climb . The best speeches have one clear purpose.

2) Prepare your expedition . What do your audience need to know to start walking with you? What will you say to make them trust you?

3) Show them sights on the w ay. What are the viewing stations? What exciting activities will happen on the way to the summit?

4) Raise the stakes. As you get closer to the summit, keep the tension, the drama, the energy or the interest of the audience by creating contrasts between a problem (or difficulty or ‘evil’) and a solution (or ‘good’).

5) Reach a climax. It could be the information we’ve all been waiting for, a surprise conclusion or the punchline of a joke – the moment where everything comes together

6) Look at the view . Now assert your message – to make the change in the audience that you seek. Ask your audience to do something different as a result of what you’ve experienced together

7) Airlift them home . Finally, don’t leave your audience having to climb all the way back down the mountain – do that and you’ll lose momentum and reduce power from your impact. Get them a helicopter and transport them back home.

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Flow of Speech and Pronunciation

Our students are often concerned about the flow of their speech. Choppy speaking is sometimes distracting or difficult to understand. If your native language is syllable-timed, you speak very uniformly.

The rhythm of your jaw movement is more even, the vowels in words are of similar length, and you tend to say each word separately. Much like the steady beat of a drum, you pick up individual words. Your speaking sounds like Da; Da; Da; Da.

Learning about flowing speech, linking, and elision will help you master the techniques needed for a smooth speech like a native English speaker.

To have a flowing English accent, you will need to make a few adjustments to how you speak. Your jaw movements need to change so words flow together. You may feel as if you are saying one long word made up of a few syllables instead of several words.

For instance, the phrase ‘put it on your end’ will have a flowing rhythm. So, ‘put it on’ joins together as putiton. Likewise, ‘your end’ will sound like ‘yourend’ when pronounced so the words flow. Rather than the deliberate individual words, the rhythm is ‘dadada dada.’

The technique known as linking is the result of joining a word that ends in a consonant to the next word if it begins with a vowel. Once again, you may feel like you are saying one long word instead of two or more words.

For example, ‘want it’ becomes ‘wan-tit’; ‘but our’ becomes bu-tour (butour); ‘was a’ becomes wa-sa (waza); ‘after all I am on duty’ becomes afterall Iyamon duty. In the last example phrase, an intrusive ‘Y’ sound helps the transition from ‘I’ to ‘a’ in I am, so the sound is ‘Iyam.’

This technique involves joining a word that ends in a consonant to the next word if it begins with the same consonant. So, we elide or leave off the final consonant of the first word.

Several illustrations will help make this clear. Using the phrase ‘want to’ – we do not say the words with both /t/ sounds pronounced separately. We join them – ‘wanto’. The same is true for ‘head down’, which becomes ‘headown’ – He put his ‘headown’ this time, or ‘face sore’ becomes ‘fasore’ -It made his ‘fasore.’

Also, when the first word ends in a /z/ and the second begins with an /s/ we do the same because the sounds are made the same way in our mouth except that /z/ has a voice added. For instance, the phrase ‘his seat was so warm’ joins in two places, ‘his seat’ is now ‘hiseat’ and ‘was so’ ‘waso’. Together they make the phrase ‘hiseat waso warm’.

Application and Practice

Till now, to be clear in English, you may have had to practice saying each word clearly and separately, or you may still be using syllable timed rhythm instead of English stress–timed rhythm. Because the words and phrases used in these examples may not be how you are used to saying them in your everyday life, you will need to practice joining words up like this and applying what you are learning. Consistent practice will help your mouth make new muscle memory to help you master these techniques.

Suggested Practice

• Print ten pages from our accent reduction course. You can choose any five vowel pages and any five consonant pages.
• Look over the pages and highlight any examples of linking or elision.
• Choose one page and listen to the audio trainer in the course. Then say the sentences out loud with them. And mimic aloud with them.
• Repeat this using the same page for three days in a row. This will help achieve new muscle memory and make the process easier.
• After doing this with all ten pages, choose a paragraph from a text in the course, and highlight the linking and elision. Read this paragraph aloud to yourself each day for seven days. Pay special attention to the linking and elision.
• Choose a different paragraph and repeat the process. Next, record yourself reading aloud and listen to the flow of your speech. Doing this will make the flow of your words sound more natural.

Pronunciation with a Twist

Adding an element of fun to learning can help reinforce the lesson. So, we will use an unusual element, the limerick, to help you stress the essential main meaning of words in sentences, become familiar with the rhythm of English, and practice linking.

A Limerick is a humorous verse of five lines. The first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other. The shorter third and fourth lines form a rhymed couplet.

Click here for a recording of two limericks.

In addition to the recording, the text of the limericks is below. The main meaning words that should be stressed or emphasized are underlined to help you practice the flow of the limericks. English listeners pay attention to the stressed main meaning of words. These help them understand what is being said. If you stress all words equally, you sound ‘choppy’ or ‘staccato’ and not smooth and flowing. It will also be more challenging to understand.

Enjoy practising using these limericks to reinforce the flow of your speech.

Limerick One

A wonderful bird is the pelican His bill can hold more than his beli-can (belly can) He can take in his beak Food enough for a week But I’m damned if I see how the heli-can. (hell he can)

Limerick Two

There was an old man of Peru Who watched his wife making a stew But once , by mistake , In a stove she did bake That unfortunate man of Peru .

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Speech in Linguistics

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In linguistics , speech is a system of  communication  that uses spoken words  (or sound symbols ). 

The study of speech sounds (or spoken language ) is the branch of linguistics known as phonetics . The study of sound changes in a language is phonology . For a discussion of speeches in rhetoric and oratory , see Speech (Rhetoric) .

Etymology:  From the Old English, "to speak"

Studying Language Without Making Judgements

• "Many people believe that written language is more prestigious than spoken language--its form is likely to be closer to Standard English , it dominates education and is used as the language of public administration. In linguistic terms, however, neither speech nor writing can be seen as superior. Linguists are more interested in observing and describing all forms of language in use than in making social and cultural judgements with no linguistic basis." (Sara Thorne, Mastering Advanced English Language , 2nd ed. Palgrave Macmillan, 2008)

Speech Sounds and Duality

• "The very simplest element of speech --and by 'speech' we shall henceforth mean the auditory system of speech symbolism, the flow of spoken words--is the individual sound, though, . . . the sound is not itself a simple structure but the resultant of a series of independent, yet closely correlated, adjustments in the organs of speech." ( Edward Sapir , Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech , 1921)
• "Human language is organized at two levels or layers simultaneously. This property is called duality (or 'double articulation'). In speech production, we have a physical level at which we can produce individual sounds, like n , b and i . As individual sounds, none of these discrete forms has any intrinsic meaning . In a particular combination such as bin , we have another level producing a meaning that is different from the meaning of the combination in nib . So, at one level, we have distinct sounds, and, at another level, we have distinct meanings. This duality of levels is, in fact, one of the most economical features of human language because, with a limited set of discrete sounds, we are capable of producing a very large number of sound combinations (e.g. words) which are distinct in meaning." (George Yule, The Study of Language , 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2006)

Approaches to Speech

• "Once we decide to begin an analysis of speech , we can approach it on various levels. At one level, speech is a matter of anatomy and physiology: we can study organs such as tongue and larynx in the production of speech. Taking another perspective, we can focus on the speech sounds produced by these organs--the units that we commonly try to identify by letters , such as a 'b-sound' or an 'm-sound.' But speech is also transmitted as sound waves, which means that we can also investigate the properties of the sound waves themselves. Taking yet another approach, the term 'sounds' is a reminder that speech is intended to be heard or perceived and that it is therefore possible to focus on the way in which a listener analyzes or processes a sound wave." (J. E. Clark and C. Yallop, An Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology . Wiley-Blackwell, 1995)

Parallel Transmission

• "Because so much of our lives in a literate society has been spent dealing with speech recorded as letters and text in which spaces do separate letters and words, it can be extremely difficult to understand that spoken language simply does not have this characteristic. . . . [A]lthough we write, perceive, and (to a degree) cognitively process speech linearly--one sound followed by another--the actual sensory signal our ear encounters is not composed of discretely separated bits. This is an amazing aspect of our linguistic abilities, but on further thought one can see that it is a very useful one. The fact that speech can encode and transmit information about multiple linguistic events in parallel means that the speech signal is a very efficient and optimized way of encoding and sending information between individuals. This property of speech has been called parallel transmission ." (Dani Byrd and Toben H. Mintz, Discovering Speech, Words, and Mind . Wiley-Blackwell, 2010)

Oliver Goldsmith on the True Nature of Speech

• "It is usually said by grammarians , that the use of language is to express our wants and desires; but men who know the world hold, and I think with some show of reason, that he who best knows how to keep his necessities private is the most likely person to have them redressed; and that the true use of speech is not so much to express our wants, as to conceal them." (Oliver Goldsmith, "On the Use of Language." The Bee , October 20, 1759)

Pronunciation: SPEECH

• Duality of Patterning in Language
• Phonology: Definition and Observations
• What Is Phonetics?
• Definition and Examples of Productivity in Language
• Spoken English
• Definition of Voice in Phonetics and Phonology
• Phonological Segments
• Sound Symbolism in English: Definition and Examples
• What Are Utterances in English (Speech)?
• Grapheme: Letters, Punctuation, and More
• What Is a Phoneme?
• Phoneme vs. Minimal Pair in English Phonetics
• Connected Speech
• What Is Graphemics? Definition and Examples
• 10 Titillating Types of Sound Effects in Language
• Assimilation in Speech

An Artificial Intelligent English Learning Platform

Mastering English Intonation for Fluent Communication: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to english intonation.

English intonation refers to the rise and fall of the pitch in spoken English. It plays a crucial role in effective communication as it conveys meaning, emotions, and emphasis. Mastering English intonation is essential for achieving fluency and natural-sounding speech. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a detailed understanding of English intonation, its patterns, and its significance in successful communication.

Explanation of Intonation: Intonation encompasses various aspects of speech, including stress, pitch, rhythm, and melody. It involves the way we pronounce individual words, phrases, and sentences by varying pitch and tone. English intonation patterns can change the meaning of a sentence, distinguish questions from statements, indicate surprise, convey sarcasm, or convey other subtle nuances.

Importance of Intonation in English Communication:

Meaning and emphasis:.

Intonation plays a crucial role in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. It helps differentiate between statements and questions, express agreement or disagreement, and emphasize keywords or ideas. For example, consider the sentence “You’re going there?” The rising intonation at the end indicates a question, while a falling intonation would imply a statement. By utilizing intonation effectively, speakers can enhance their clarity and ensure their message is accurately understood.

Expressing Emotions:

Intonation helps convey a wide range of emotions in spoken English. By modulating the pitch, tone, and stress, speakers can express excitement, anger, sadness, surprise, or sarcasm. The ability to accurately convey emotions through intonation adds depth and authenticity to communication, enabling listeners to better understand the speaker’s feelings and intentions.

Natural-Sounding Speech:

Fluent speakers of English often possess a natural and authentic rhythm in their speech. Intonation patterns contribute significantly to achieving this naturalness. By using the appropriate stress, pitch variations, and melodic contours, speakers can sound more like native English speakers, which enhances their overall fluency and communicative competence.

Comprehension and Listening Skills:

Understanding and interpreting English intonation patterns are essential for effective listening comprehension. By recognizing the rise and fall of pitch, listeners can grasp the intended meaning of a sentence, even if the words themselves are unfamiliar. Intonation provides valuable cues for understanding the speaker’s attitude, intention, and underlying message.

Cross-Cultural Communication:

English is a global language, and effective cross-cultural communication relies heavily on intonation. Different cultures may have distinct intonation patterns, and understanding these variations is crucial for successful communication. Learning the appropriate intonation patterns allows individuals to adapt their speech to different cultural contexts, promoting better understanding and minimizing miscommunication.

Mastering English intonation is vital for achieving fluency and successful communication in the English language. It allows speakers to convey meaning, emotions, and emphasis effectively, resulting in clearer and more engaging interactions. Understanding the various aspects of intonation and practising its patterns can significantly enhance communication skills, enabling individuals to express themselves accurately and connect with others on a deeper level. This comprehensive guide aims to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and tools to master English intonation and improve their overall fluency.

Phonemes, Suprasegmentals, and Sound Analysis Basics

• Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that distinguish meaning.
• They are represented by letters or groups of letters.
• Understanding phonemes helps improve pronunciation and differentiate between similar words or sounds.

Suprasegmentals:

• Suprasegmentals refer to speech features that extend over several phonemes or syllables.
• They include stress, pitch, intonation, and rhythm.
• Mastering suprasegmentals contributes to achieving natural-sounding speech and fluency in English.

Sound Analysis Basics:

• Sound analysis involves examining the physical and perceptual properties of speech sounds.
• It includes studying articulation, acoustic properties, and auditory perception.
• Knowledge of sound analysis helps learners develop better pronunciation skills and identify areas for improvement.

By understanding phonemes, learners can improve pronunciation accuracy and comprehension. Suprasegmentals play a crucial role in conveying meaning and emotions. The sound analysis provides a scientific approach to understanding speech sounds and helps improve pronunciation skills.

Mastering these foundational elements of English speech equips learners with the tools to communicate effectively, convey meaning with clarity, and connect more proficiently with others in English.

Exploring Speech Rhythm and Melody in English

Speech rhythm and melody are vital aspects of English communication. They contribute to the overall intelligibility and naturalness of spoken English. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of speech rhythm and melody, including the role of tone, pitch, stress, and intonation patterns. Additionally, we will provide exercises to practice recognizing and producing rhythm and melody, along with the answers to those exercises.

Speech Rhythm:

Speech rhythm refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in spoken language. It influences the flow and pace of speech, contributing to the overall rhythm and musicality. English has a stress-timed rhythm, which means that stressed syllables occur at regular intervals, while unstressed syllables may vary in duration. Understanding and producing speech rhythm correctly enhances fluency and listener comprehension.

Melody in Speech:

Melody in speech refers to the rise and fall of pitch during spoken utterances. It involves variations in pitch and intonation patterns, which convey meaning, attitudes, and emotions. Melody adds expressiveness and nuance to communication, helping to convey the intended message more effectively.

Tone and Pitch:

Tone refers to the specific quality or timbre of a sound, while pitch refers to the highness or lowness of a sound. Tone and pitch variations contribute to speech melody and can affect the meaning and interpretation of utterances. For example, a rising pitch at the end of a sentence indicates a question, while a falling pitch denotes a statement.

Stress and Intonation Patterns:

Stress refers to the emphasis placed on certain syllables within words, while intonation patterns involve the pitch changes across larger units of speech, such as phrases or sentences. Stress and intonation patterns help convey important information, attitudes, and emotions. They assist in distinguishing between different types of sentences (questions, statements, commands), conveying surprise, expressing agreement or disagreement, and indicating sarcasm.

Exercises to Practice Rhythm and Melody:

To enhance your understanding and proficiency in speech rhythm and melody, here are a few exercises:

Exercise 1: Identify Stress Patterns Listen to a series of words or phrases and identify the stressed syllables. For example, in the word “communicate,” the stress falls on the second syllable: com-MU-ni-cate.

Exercise 2: Recognize Intonation Patterns Listen to recorded sentences and identify the intonation pattern (rising or falling). Determine whether the sentences are statements, questions, or exclamations based on the intonation.

Exercise 3 : Produce Intonation Patterns Practice reading aloud sentences with different intonation patterns, paying attention to the rise and fall of pitch. Record yourself and compare your pronunciation with native speakers.

Answers to Exercises:

Exercise 1:

• Communicate: com-MU-ni-cate
• Intelligibility: in-TEL-li-gi-BI-li-ty
• Melody: ME-lo-dy
• Recognize: RE-co-gnize

Exercise 2:

• “You’re going there?” – Rising intonation (question)
• “I can’t believe it!” – Falling-rising intonation (exclamation)
• “The weather is nice today.” – Falling intonation (statement)

Exercise 3: Recordings may vary, but make sure your intonation accurately reflects the intended meaning of the sentences. Compare your pronunciation with native speakers to identify areas for improvement.

By actively engaging in exercises that focus on rhythm and melody, you can refine your understanding and production of these essential elements of English speech. This practice will significantly enhance your overall communication skills, making your speech more natural, intelligible, and engaging to listeners.

Mastering Stress, Emphasis, and the Role of Auxiliary Language Sounds

Stress and emphasis play a crucial role in English communication, conveying meaning, importance, and emphasis within sentences. Understanding and mastering stress and emphasis patterns, as well as auxiliary language sounds, are essential for achieving fluent and natural-sounding English. In this section, we will explore the explanation and importance of stress and emphasis, as well as the effects of linking, elision, and assimilation on common intonation patterns. Additionally, we will provide exercises to help you identify and use stress, emphasis, and auxiliary sounds effectively, along with the answers to those exercises.

Stress in English Communication:

Stress refers to the emphasis placed on certain syllables within words and certain words within sentences. It involves making the stressed syllables or words louder, longer, and higher in pitch. Proper stress placement is crucial for conveying the intended meaning and ensuring listener comprehension.

Importance:

• Stress helps distinguish between different parts of speech. For example, “record” (noun) versus “record” (verb).
• Stress patterns aid in conveying the intended message by highlighting key information.
• Mastering stress patterns enhances intelligibility and makes spoken English more natural and fluent.

Emphasis in English Communication:

Emphasis refers to the additional stress placed on specific words or phrases to highlight importance, contrast, or emotions. It involves giving extra emphasis through pitch, volume, or duration. Emphasizing certain words can alter the meaning or focus of a sentence.

• Emphasis allows speakers to highlight key information, draw attention, or convey specific intentions.
• It helps express emotions, attitudes, sarcasm, or irony.
• Proper use of emphasis enhances the clarity and impact of spoken English.

Auxiliary Language Sounds:

Linking, Elision, and Assimilation: In English, the sounds of individual words can change when they come together in connected speech. This process includes linking, elision, and assimilation.

• Linking: Linking occurs when a sound at the end of one word is connected to the beginning of the next word, creating a smooth and connected speech flow. For example, “I scream” sounds like “I-scream” with a linked /s/ sound.
• Elision : Elision involves omitting certain sounds or syllables when they occur in rapid speech. For example, “I am going to” is often pronounced as “I’m gonna,” with the elision of the sounds /a/ and /t/.
• Assimilation: Assimilation happens when sounds change to become more similar to neighbouring sounds. For example, “good book” might be pronounced as “good book” with the /d/ sound assimilating to the /b/ sound.
• Understanding and using linking, elision, and assimilation contribute to natural and fluid speech.
• Mastery of these processes improves comprehension and makes spoken English sound more native-like.

Exercises to Identify and Use Stress, Emphasis, and Auxiliary Sounds:

Exercise 1: Identify Stressed Syllables Identify the stressed syllables in the following words:

• Destination

Exercise 2: Emphasize the Correct Word Read the following sentences aloud, emphasizing the word or phrase in capital letters to convey the intended meaning:

• I didn’t say she stole your money.
• I didn’t say she stole YOUR money.
• I didn’t say she stole your MONEY.

Exercise 3: Recognize Auxiliary Language Sounds Listen to recorded sentences and identify examples of linking, elision, or assimilation. Write down the sentences and mark the auxiliary language sounds used.

• Elephant: ELE-phant
• Incredible: in-CRED-i-ble
• Destination: des-ti-NA-tion
• Restaurant: RES-tau-rant
• I didn’t say she stole your money. (Emphasis on “said”)
• I didn’t say she stole YOUR money. (Emphasis on “your”)
• I didn’t say she stole your MONEY. (Emphasis on “money”)

Exercise 3: Answers may vary, but here are a few examples:

• “I was going to the store.” (Linking: “was going”)
• “I’m gonna eat lunch.” (Elision: “going to” -> “gonna”)
• “He’s a big boy.” (Assimilation: “big boy” -> “big boy”)

By practicing these exercises, you will gain a better understanding of stress, emphasis, and auxiliary language sounds in English. This will help you improve your spoken English by conveying meaning effectively, emphasizing key points, and utilizing natural speech patterns. Incorporating linking, elision, and assimilation will make your speech sound more fluent and natural, ultimately enhancing your overall communication skills in English.

Using Intonation to Convey Attitude, Emotion, and Information Structure

Intonation plays a significant role in English communication by conveying attitude, emotion, and information structure. By utilizing different English intonation rules, speakers can effectively express their feelings, emphasize important points, and indicate the organization of information. In this section, we will explore how intonation influences attitude, emotion, and information structure, as well as provide exercises to practice using intonation for affective and informational components. Finally, we will provide answers to the exercises.

Attitude and Emotion:

Intonation patterns can convey a wide range of attitudes and emotions, such as excitement, surprise, sarcasm, skepticism, or agreement. The rise and fall of pitch, changes in stress, and variations in timing contribute to expressing these attitudes and emotions accurately.

Information Structure :

Intonation also helps organize information in spoken English. By using specific patterns, speakers can distinguish between background and new information, highlight important details, and signal the structure of their utterances.

• Background Information: Background information refers to what the listener already knows or expects. It typically receives a lower pitch and reduced prominence.
• New Information: New information refers to fresh or important details that the listener is not aware of. It is typically given a higher pitch and increased prominence.

Exercises to Practice Using Intonation for Affective and Informational Components:

Exercise 1: Conveying Emotion Read the following sentences aloud, emphasizing the words in capital letters to convey the indicated emotion: a) “I can’t believe you did that!” (Express disbelief) b) “That’s fantastic news!” (Express excitement) c) “Oh, really?” (Express skepticism) d) “What a lovely surprise!” (Express delight)

Exercise 2: Information Structure Read the following sentences aloud, using intonation to differentiate between background and new information:

a) “I saw a dog in the park.” (Background: “I saw a dog,” New: “in the park.”)

b) “The meeting is on Monday at 9 a.m.” (Background: “The meeting is,” New: “on Monday at 9 a.m.”)

c) “She loves to travel to exotic places.” (Background: “She loves to travel,” New: “to exotic places.”)

d) “I have two brothers and a sister.” (Background: “I have,” New: “two brothers and a sister.”)

a) “I can’t believe you did THAT!” (Express disbelief)

b) “That’s FANTASTIC news!” (Express excitement)

c) “Oh, REALLY?” (Express skepticism)

d) “What a LOVELY surprise!” (Express delight)

a) “I saw a DOG in the park.” (Background: “I saw a dog,” New: “in the park.”)

b) “The MEETING is on Monday at 9 a.m.” (Background: “The meeting is,” New: “on Monday at 9 a.m.”)

c) “She LOVES to travel to exotic places.” (Background: “She loves to travel,” New: “to exotic places.”)

d) “I have TWO brothers and a sister.” (Background: “I have,” New: “two brothers and a sister.”)

By practicing these exercises, you will develop a better understanding of how intonation conveys attitude, emotion, and information structure. This will enable you to communicate effectively, express emotions accurately, and organize information in a way that enhances listener comprehension. Remember to pay attention to pitch, stress, and timing variations as you use intonation to convey affective and informational components in spoken English.

Enhancing Fluency and Daily Conversation through Intonation

Awareness of intonation plays a crucial role in achieving fluency and natural-sounding speech in daily conversations. By incorporating effective intonation patterns, speakers can enhance their communication skills, convey meaning accurately, and engage listeners more effectively. In this section, we will explore strategies for developing fluency and incorporating intonation in everyday speech, along with exercises to improve fluency and practice intonation. Finally, we will provide answers to the exercises.

Strategies for Developing Fluency:

a) Listen and Immerse: Surround yourself with English audio materials, such as podcasts, movies, or conversations. Pay close attention to the intonation patterns used by native speakers and try to mimic them.

b) Shadowing: Listen to short audio clips or recordings and imitate the speaker’s intonation, stress, and rhythm. Focus on matching the speaker’s timing and melody. This technique helps develop muscle memory and improves fluency.

c) Conversational Practice: Engage in conversations with native English speakers or language partners. Practice incorporating intonation patterns while expressing ideas, asking questions, and sharing experiences. Seek feedback to refine your intonation skills.

Incorporating Intonation in Everyday Speech:

a) Emphasize Key Words: Identify the most important words in your sentences and emphasize them with changes in pitch, volume, or duration. This helps convey the main ideas and adds clarity to your speech.

b) Convey Meaning with Tone: Utilize rising or falling intonation to indicate questions or statements, respectively. Practice using different intonation patterns to convey different attitudes, such as surprise, agreement, or disagreement.

c) Practice Chunking: Break sentences into meaningful chunks or phrases. Use pauses and changes in intonation to mark these chunks, allowing listeners to process information more effectively.

Exercises to Improve Fluency and Practice Intonation in Conversations:

Exercise 1: Expressing Attitudes and Emotions Engage in conversational exercises with a partner. Choose different scenarios and practice expressing various attitudes and emotions using appropriate intonation patterns. For example, discuss a recent movie or share personal experiences with excitement, disappointment, or enthusiasm.

Exercise 2: Intonation in Asking Questions Ask a partner a series of questions using different intonation patterns. Practice using rising intonation for yes/no questions and falling intonation for information questions. Pay attention to the placement of stress and the overall melody of your questions.

Exercise 3: Intonation in Storytelling Tell a short personal story to a partner, focusing on incorporating intonation to engage your listener. Use rising intonation for suspense, falling intonation for conclusion, and emphasize key moments with changes in pitch and stress.

Exercise 1: Answers will vary based on the chosen scenarios and personal experiences. The key is to focus on using appropriate intonation patterns to convey attitudes and emotions accurately.

Exercise 2: Answers will vary depending on the questions asked. Remember to use rising intonation for yes/no questions (e.g., “Did you enjoy the movie?”) and falling intonation for information questions (e.g., “What did you think of the movie?”).

Exercise 3: Answers will vary based on personal stories shared. Ensure you incorporate appropriate intonation patterns to engage your listener and effectively convey the emotions and key moments of the story.

By practicing these exercises and incorporating intonation strategies into your daily conversations, you will enhance your fluency, naturalness, and overall communication skills. Pay attention to intonation patterns, stress, and rhythm while speaking, and seek opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations to refine your intonation abilities. With regular practice, you will notice significant improvements in your spoken English and your ability to engage and connect with others in daily conversations.

Analyzing English Intonation Patterns and Register Shifts

Understanding and analyzing English intonation patterns, including rising and falling intonations, pitch range, and shifts in register (formal to informal and vice versa), are essential for effective communication. In this section, we will provide a detailed analysis of these concepts, along with exercises to practice understanding of basic techniques and implementing them. Finally, we will provide answers to the exercises.

Rising and Falling Intonations:

a) Rising Intonation: Rising intonation involves a pitch that increases towards the end of a sentence. It is typically used for yes/no questions, expressing surprise, uncertainty, or seeking confirmation.

Example: “Are you going to the party?” (The pitch rises on “party.”)

b) Falling Intonation: Falling intonation involves a pitch that decreases towards the end of a sentence. It is used for statements, commands, and when expressing certainty or completion.

Example: “She’s going to the store.” (The pitch falls on “store.”)

Pitch Range:

Pitch range refers to the span between the lowest and highest pitches used in speech. It contributes to the expressiveness and variation of intonation. A wider pitch range adds emphasis and emotional nuance, while a narrower range conveys a more neutral or monotone style of speech.

Register Shifts: Formal to Informal and Informal to Formal:

a) Formal to Informal: Register shifts occur when speakers transition from a formal style of speech to a more informal or casual style. This shift involves changes in pronunciation, intonation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Example: “I am not going” (formal) vs. “I ain’t going” (informal)

b) Informal to Formal: Register shifts can also occur in the opposite direction, from an informal to a formal style of speech. This shift involves using more precise grammar, sophisticated vocabulary, and a more controlled intonation pattern.

Example: “I gotta go” (informal) vs. “I have to leave” (formal)

Exercises to Practice Understanding and Implementing Intonation Patterns and Register Shifts:

Exercise 1: Rising and Falling Intonations Read the following sentences aloud, paying attention to the intonation pattern (rising or falling): a) “What time is the meeting?” b) “I can’t believe you did that!” c) “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” d) “Please pass me the salt.”

Exercise 2: Pitch Range Practice reading short phrases or sentences with a wide pitch range, emphasizing the emotional content: a) “I’m so excited!” b) “That’s absolutely amazing!” c) “I’m really disappointed.”

Exercise 3: Register Shifts Transform the following informal sentences into formal equivalents: a) “I wanna go to the movies.” b) “She ain’t coming to the party.” c) “Let’s grab some grub.”

Exercise 1: a) Rising intonation b) Falling intonation c) Rising intonation d) Falling intonation

Exercise 2: Answers will vary. Focus on using a wide pitch range to convey the appropriate emotion for each phrase.

Exercise 3 : a) “I would like to go to the movies.” b) “She is not coming to the party.” c) “Let us get some food.”

By practicing these exercises, you will develop a better understanding of rising and falling intonations, pitch range, and register shifts in English communication. This will help you convey meaning accurately, add expressiveness to your speech, and adapt your communication style to different contexts. As you become more proficient in these aspects of intonation, your overall communication skills will see amazing improvements, enabling you to engage effectively with others in various settings.

Cultural Variations and Accent Influence on English Intonation

Intonation patterns in English can vary across different accents and cultural backgrounds. These variations can influence the rise and fall of pitch, stress patterns, and the overall melody of speech. Understanding and adapting to these influences are essential for effective communication. In this section, we will explore how different accents and cultural nuances may alter intonation patterns, along with exercises to identify and adapt to these influences. Finally, we will provide answers to the exercises.

Accents and Intonation Patterns:

Different accents in English, such as British, American, Australian, Indian, or Nigerian accents, can exhibit distinct intonation patterns. These variations may include differences in the placement of stress, pitch range, and the use of rising or falling intonations. Accents can also influence the melody and rhythm of speech, adding unique nuances to communication.

Cultural Nuances and Intonation:

Cultural backgrounds and linguistic influences can shape intonation patterns. Cultural nuances, such as politeness norms, speech tempo, and conversational styles, can impact the use of intonation for expressing emotions, attitudes, and emphasis. For example, some cultures may utilize rising intonation to indicate politeness or deference, while others may use falling intonation for the same purpose.

Exercises to Identify and Adapt to Accent and Cultural Influences:

Exercise 1: Accent Identification Listen to recordings of speakers from different English-speaking countries and identify their accents. Pay attention to the distinct intonation patterns, stress placement, and overall melody of their speech.

Exercise 2: Cultural Nuance Adaptation Practice adapting your intonation patterns to reflect different cultural nuances. For example, try using rising intonation to express politeness or deference, if appropriate for the cultural context. Experiment with the speech tempo and rhythm to match the conversational style of a particular culture.

Exercise 3: Intonation Awareness in Conversation Engage in conversations with speakers of different accents or cultural backgrounds. Pay close attention to their intonation patterns and adapt your own speech to match theirs. Observe how their intonation influences the overall dynamics of the conversation.

Exercise 1: Answers will vary based on the recordings provided. Examples may include British English, American English, Australian English, Indian English, Nigerian English, etc. Focus on identifying the unique intonation patterns and stress placement associated with each accent.

Exercise 2: Answers will vary depending on the cultural nuances you choose to practice. Make sure to align your intonation patterns with the specific cultural norms or preferences being targeted.

Exercise 3: Answers will vary based on the interactions you have with individuals from different accents or cultural backgrounds. Observe and adapt your intonation patterns to match theirs, focusing on maintaining effective communication and understanding.

By practicing these exercises, you will develop a better understanding of how accents and cultural nuances influence intonation patterns in English. This will enhance your ability to adapt your speech to different contexts, connect with speakers from diverse backgrounds, and engage in effective cross-cultural communication. Remember to be mindful and respectful of cultural differences, using intonation patterns in a way that promotes understanding and positive interactions.

Practical Real-World Applications of English Intonation

Applying appropriate intonation in real-world situations is crucial for effective communication in both professional and social contexts. Whether it’s delivering a presentation, engaging in negotiations, or simply having a conversation with friends, using the right intonation patterns can enhance clarity, convey meaning accurately, and establish rapport. In this section, we will explore practical applications of English intonation in different scenarios and provide exercises to practice intonation in these contexts. Finally, we will provide answers to the fantastic resource of exercises.

Professional Settings:

a) Presentations: Use varied pitch range and stress patterns to emphasize quality content, maintain audience engagement, and convey confidence.

b) Meetings and Discussions: Employ appropriate intonation to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and indicate agreement or disagreement respectfully. Use rising intonation for seeking input or feedback and falling intonation for making clear statements.

c) Phone and Video Conferences: Pay attention to pitch, stress, and rhythm to ensure clarity in virtual communication. Adapt your intonation to compensate for the absence of nonverbal cues.

Social Interactions:

a) Conversations with Friends: Utilize intonation to express emotions, convey enthusiasm or interest, and engage in lively discussions. Vary pitch and stress to maintain a dynamic and engaging conversation.

b) Expressing Emphatic Statements: Use falling intonation and increased stress on key words to express strong convictions, assert opinions, or convey certainty.

c) Storytelling: Employ appropriate intonation patterns to engage listeners, highlight key moments, and convey emotions effectively. Use rising intonation to build suspense and falling intonation for resolution or punchlines.

Exercises to Practice Intonation in Various Scenarios:

Exercise 1: Professional Presentation Prepare a short presentation on a topic of your choice. Practice using appropriate intonation to emphasize key points, engage the audience, and maintain a confident and engaging delivery.

Exercise 2: Negotiation Skills Engage in negotiation role-play scenarios with a partner. Practice using intonation to express assertiveness, listen actively, and maintain a cooperative tone. Focus on employing rising and falling intonation patterns strategically.

Exercise 3: Casual Conversation Have a conversation with a friend or language partner. Practice using intonation to express emotions, convey interest, and engage in a lively and dynamic exchange. Vary your pitch, stress, and rhythm to maintain an engaging flow.

Exercise 1: Answers will vary based on the chosen topic and presentation style. Focus on using appropriate intonation to emphasize key points, engage the audience, and maintain a confident and engaging delivery.

Exercise 2: Answers will vary based on the negotiation scenarios. Pay attention to the intonation patterns used to express assertiveness, active listening, and cooperation in the negotiation process.

Exercise 3: Answers will vary depending on the conversation topic and the dynamics between you and your conversation partner. Focus on using intonation to express emotions, convey interest, and maintain an engaging flow in the conversation.

By practicing these exercises, you will develop a better understanding of how to apply appropriate intonation in various real-world scenarios. This will enhance your communication skills, establish rapport, and contribute to successful interactions in professional and social settings. Remember to be attentive to the context, adapt your intonation patterns accordingly, and maintain a clear and engaging delivery to effectively convey your message and connect with others.

Mastering Common Intonation Challenges and Enhancing Speech Variety through Prosody

Mastering intonation can be challenging, as learners often encounter common errors that affect the naturalness and clarity of their speech. Identifying these errors and finding appropriate solutions is crucial for improving intonation skills. In this section, we will discuss common intonation challenges and provide solutions to rectify them. Additionally, we will explore the importance of prosody in enriching speech variety and provide exercises to tackle common issues and train rectification. Finally, we will provide answers to the exercises.

Common Intonation Challenges and Solutions:

a) Monotonous Intonation: Some learners struggle with a lack of variation in pitch and stress, resulting in a monotonous tone. To overcome this challenge, practice incorporating pitch variation and emphasizing key words to add intonation patterns that match the meaning and emotions of the message.

b) Incorrect Stress Placement: Misplacing stress within words or sentences can lead to miscommunication. Solution: Focus on learning the stress patterns of words and phrases in English, and practice using stress correctly to convey the intended meaning.

c) Overusing Rising Intonation: Overusing rising intonation can make statements sound like questions or convey uncertainty. Solution: Learn to use falling intonation appropriately for statements, and practice using rising intonation primarily for questions or when seeking confirmation.

Importance of Prosody in Enriching Speech Variety:

Prosody refers to the patterns of stress, rhythm, and intonation in speech. Mastering prosody is crucial for achieving speech variety, as it adds expressiveness, emphasis, and naturalness to communication. It helps convey emotions, attitudes, and intended meaning more effectively.

Prosody contributes to:

• Conveying emotions: Using appropriate stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns enhances the expression of emotions, such as excitement, surprise, or disappointment.
• Emphasizing important information: Proper prosody can highlight key words or phrases, conveying their significance and ensuring listener comprehension.
• Creating speech rhythm: Developing a rhythmic and melodic flow in speech enhances fluency and naturalness.

Exercises to Tackle Common Issues and Train Rectification:

Exercise 1: Pitch Variation Practice Read aloud short sentences or paragraphs, focusing on incorporating pitch variation. Emphasize the key words by raising or lowering your pitch accordingly to convey meaning and enhance expressiveness.

Exercise 2: Stress Placement Exercise Practice stressing different syllables within words. Focus on recognizing the correct stress patterns in common words and phrases. Record yourself and compare your pronunciation with native speakers.

Exercise 3: Intonation Correction Read a set of statements with incorrect intonation patterns. Identify the errors and correct them by using the appropriate falling or rising intonation for statements and questions.

Exercise 1: Answers will vary based on the sentences or paragraphs provided. Focus on incorporating appropriate pitch variation to emphasize key words and convey meaning effectively.

Exercise 2: Answers will vary depending on the words or phrases chosen for stress placement practice. Make sure to emphasize the correct syllables based on the stress patterns of those words or phrases.

Exercise 3: Answers will vary based on the set of statements provided. Focus on identifying the incorrect intonation patterns and using the appropriate falling or rising intonation to rectify them.

By practicing these exercises, you will develop a better understanding of common intonation challenges and how to rectify them. Additionally, focusing on prosody will enhance your speech variety and overall communication skills. Remember to pay attention to pitch variation, stress placement, and appropriate intonation patterns to convey meaning accurately and expressively. Real practice and self-awareness will help you improve your intonation skills and enhance the naturalness and effectiveness of your speech.

Leveraging Lillypad.ai for Advanced English Intonation Practice

English intonation is a crucial but often neglected aspect of language learning. Intonation—the rise and fall of the voice when speaking—plays an essential role in conveying meaning and emotion in a conversation. Misaligned intonation could potentially lead to misunderstandings. Aiding in this critical aspect of language learning, Lillypad.ai comes in as a promising solution.

Features for practicing intonation

Lillypad.ai is an advanced students AI language learning platform specifically designed to assist learners in improving their English language skills, including intonation. It employs sophisticated speech recognition and natural language processing technologies to provide users with an immersive and interactive language learning experience.

A distinctive feature of Lillypad.ai is its emphasis on English intonation practice. The platform’s AI analyzes the users’ pronunciation, pitch, stress, and rhythm—the key components of intonation—and provides detailed feedback on their performance. It offers various exercises, such as dialogue practice, sentence stress drills, and listening tasks, all aimed at enhancing users’ intonation skills.

Advantages over conventional English learning methods

While conventional English learning methods like textbooks and language classes focus primarily on vocabulary and grammar, they often fail to address intonation adequately. Moreover, the feedback is usually delayed, and the level of personalization is minimal.

Lillypad.ai, on the other hand, presents an entirely different approach. The AI-driven learning experience focuses on intonation and provides instant feedback, making it easier for learners to correct their mistakes promptly. It also allows learners to practice at their own pace, anytime and anywhere, providing a level of flexibility that traditional methods cannot offer.

Real-time feedback and personalization

One of the unique features of Lillypad.ai is its capability to provide real-time feedback. As learners practice speaking, the platform immediately analyzes their speech and offers constructive comments on how to improve their intonation. This immediate feedback loop accelerates the learning process, as it allows learners to rectify their errors on the spot.

Furthermore, Lillypad.ai tailors the learning experience to each user. The AI system recognizes the user’s proficiency level, their strengths, and areas needing improvement, and adjusts the difficulty and focus of the exercises accordingly. This personalized approach makes learning more efficient and relevant for English students.

Lillypad.ai for continued practice

Considering its advanced features and user-centred approach, Lillypad.ai stands as a powerful tool for English language learners. It fills a significant gap in language learning resources by emphasizing the importance of intonation.

By leveraging Lillypad.ai for continued practice, learners can gain confidence in their spoken English and refine their sentences intonation skills, ultimately improving their overall communication. The real-time feedback and personalization make the learning process more efficient, engaging, and effective. Thus, Lillypad.ai is highly recommended for all English learners who wish to enhance their spoken English skills.

English patterns of intonation is indeed an indispensable aspect of fluent and natural communication. The subtle changes in pitch, rhythm, and stress can entirely alter the meaning of a statement and affect the listener’s perception. Hence, it is of utmost importance to focus on intonation alongside grammar and vocabulary in the pursuit of mastering the English language.

In everyday communication, try to pay more attention to the intonation patterns of native speakers, incorporating those elements into your own speech. Regular practice is key, as intonation is not just about knowing, but more about doing—being able to produce the correct patterns spontaneously during conversation.

Lillypad.ai serves as an excellent tool to aid in this journey, providing real-time feedback and a high degree of personalization that isn’t often available in traditional language learning methods. It offers a dedicated platform to practice and perfect English rules of intonation, making it a significant asset for all language learners.

In closing, the effective practice of English intonation requires both awareness and application. The use of advanced tools like Lillypad.ai can greatly assist in this endeavor, speeding up the learning process and enhancing your overall language skills. So, take the leap and start your personalized English language training with Lillypad.ai today. The journey to fluent and expressive communication awaits you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Mastering intonation helps in better expressing your emotions, attitudes, and intentions, leading to clearer and more effective communication. Proper intonation can mean the difference between a statement, a question, or an exclamation, even with the same set of words. By refining your intonation, you’re not just improving your pronunciation; you’re ensuring your message is conveyed as intended, thereby reducing potential misunderstandings.

Certainly! While English intonation can seem complex initially, platforms like Lillypad.ai make it easier to grasp. They break down the concepts into simple, manageable parts and provide ample exercises for practice. So, even beginners can effectively learn and improve their intonation skills over time.

It’s quite common for native language intonation patterns to influence your English speech. However, with conscious effort and consistent practice using platforms like Lillypad.ai, you can recognize these influences, correct them, and improve your English pronunciation and intonation over time.

Recognition of subtle variations in intonation indeed comes with time and practice. Listening exercises and mimicry of native English speakers can significantly help. Also, using AI-based platforms like Lillypad.ai will provide immediate feedback and help you become more attuned to these variations.

It’s natural to find it difficult to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations initially. But don’t worry. Lillypad.ai includes real-world scenario-based exercises, allowing you to practice and get comfortable with using correct intonation in everyday conversations.

I am afraid that I might sound robotic or unnatural while focusing too much on intonation. How can I sound more natural?

The key to sounding natural is practice. The more you listen to native speakers and try to mimic their rhythm, pitch, and stress, the more natural your speech will become. Lillypad.ai’s exercises and resources can help you achieve a more natural speech flow.

Making mistakes is a part of learning. Lillypad.ai’s real-time feedback allows you to learn from your errors on the spot and make immediate improvements. With consistent practice, you will notice your mistakes decreasing over time.

Absolutely! Online platforms like Lillypad.ai provide interactive, personalized, and paced learning, making them highly effective for learning intonation. The real-time feedback feature is particularly beneficial, as it allows for instant error correction and improvement. So yes, with dedication and consistent practice, you can significantly improve your intonation skills online.

Learn from History – Follow the Science – Listen to the Experts

For learners of all ages striving to improve their English, LillyPad combines the most scientifically studied and recommended path to achieving English fluency and proficiency with today’s most brilliant technologies!

What’s the one thing that makes LillyPad so special? Lilly! Lilly’s a personal English tutor, and has people talking all over the world! Lilly makes improving your English easy. With Lilly, you can read in four different ways, and you can read just about anything you love. And learning with Lilly, well that’s what you call liberating!

Additionally, the platform incorporates goal-setting capabilities, essential tracking & reporting, gamification, anywhere-anytime convenience, and significant cost savings compared to traditional tutoring methodologies.

At LillyPad , everything we do is focused on delivering a personalized journey that is meaningful and life-changing for our members. LillyPad isn’t just the next chapter in English learning…

…it’s a whole new story!

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Bethany MacDonald

Bethany MacDonald has contributed articles LillyPad.ai since 2020. As their Blog Lead, she specialises in informative pieces on culture, education, and language learning

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Debatetrack

• Feb 4, 2021

How to Flow: A Semi-Complete Guide

One of my favorite illustrations when judging debate rounds is to have both teams show me their flow. In a debate where one team did poorly, they inevitably have bad floor (or just flowed one speech, or “just deleted their flow”, etc).

As a debate coach, one of the most common questions I get is how to flow.

As a debate teacher, one of the most common critiques I have of my students, necessitating an hour-long frustration-filled lecture-and-practice breakdown, is poor flow.

Flow is note-taking in debate.

Competitive debate— as you know, if you know— typically involves 8 speeches, anywhere from 3-8 minutes in length, on technical political matters, with extensive citations from academic papers, sometimes delivered at blazing speeds.

Full debates commonly hash out 4-5 separate arguments (contentions), along with slews of technical add-ons like frameworks and disadvantages. Debaters state their arguments, the opponent rebuts it, and the debaters have to rebut the rebuttal.

If you’re a debater, you’re getting bored. If you’re not, you’re probably still getting bored. My point is: academic debates are complex.

And if you don’t understand this complexity, you’ll lose. And if you do, well, at least you have a shot of winning.

And you can’t understand the complexity. Not by yourself.

But flow can help you to get a handle on it. It can map out what’s happening with the arguments.

And, well, here’s how we do it.

First, you’ll need paper, one for each argument. A4 works. Bigger is good. For Public Forum, use two sheets: one for the Pro case, and one for the Con case. Turn those papers vertical, then fold it in half, twice. You now have 4 columns for each argument.

You’ll need two pens, of two colors. One is your ‘Pro’ pen, one is your ‘Con’ pen.

For the first speeches, flow (or write) all the arguments, in their colors in the first column of the page. For Public Forum, flow the entire first speeches in the first columns of each sheet. ‘Pre-flow’ your own 1st speech to save time. Here's what it'll look like:

Then, flow rebuttals (or replies) in the second column, in the other color pen . After all, we don’t respond to our own arguments. The rebuttal to the argument should go right next to the argument in question.

Next, the teams rebuild their case by answering the rebuttals. Return to the original color and flow these in the 3rd column— answers to the answers go right next to the answers.

Finally, flow any final collapse, weighing, voting issues or other Final-speech nonsense into the last column. The two final speeches can also be done on a single page for easier comparison.

You should keep your flow brief and simple by using shorthand— write keywords, not full sentences.

Shorthand can either be general, or topic-specific:

Of course, the shorthand isn’t “ real " shorthand and you can therefore develop your own system— the audience for your flow is you, so if you understand it then it’s good. That’s not an excuse for sloppy flow: if you con’t understand it, then it’s bad . Flow is a crucial and basic skill for debate. Get it down and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great debater. Does that clear up your confusion? How do you flow? Comment below with your thoughts!

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Thanks for this! I never really learned to flow (I had my own method), but I might actually try this at Stan!

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What To Know About Stuttering

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Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by disruptions in speech flow. Symptoms include repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, stretching out words, taking long pauses, and word-switching or using filler words to increase fluency.

Symptoms of stuttering can vary greatly from person to person, as well as throughout the day. The exact causes of stuttering are not understood, but it often occurs during speech and language development.

Stuttering can be stigmatizing and can greatly affect the lives of people who stutter (PWS). It can contribute to low self-esteem, social anxiety and isolation, and job or career advancement limitations. Treatment involves working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or speech therapist (ST) and focuses on developing confidence and more effective communication.

How Common Is Stuttering?

About three million people in the United States stutter. It mostly affects children. Up to 10% of children will stutter at some point, but about 75% outgrow it by adolescence (about age 16). About 1% of adults stutter.

Signs and Symptoms

People who stutter (PWS) know what they want to say but have difficulty expressing it fluently. Common signs and symptoms of stuttering include:  

• Repetition: Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, or phrases—for example, “d-d-d-dog” or “can-can-can-I”
• Prolongations: Stretching out a sound, syllable, or word, such as “tttttake”
• Blocks: Getting stuck on a word or sound, which creates the inabilty to start speaking, such as “h-------hello”
• Interjections: Using filler words like "uh” to help initiate speech 
• Avoidance behaviors: Strategies to avoid words that may be difficult to say, such as word substitution or avoiding conversations (e.g., using text instead of a phone call, or not speaking up during meetings)
• Secondary behaviors: Physical characteristics like tension, clenching fists, facial grimaces, lip or jaw tremors, head bobbing, looking away, or rapid eye blinking 

Types of Stuttering

There are two primary types of stuttering:

• Developmental: Developmental stuttering occurs in early childhood, between 2-6 years old, as a child learns to speak. 
• Neurogenic: Also known as acquired stuttering, this type of stuttering occurs in adulthood. It's less common than developmental stuttering and might occur due to brain injury, stroke (blood clot or bleeding in the brain), emotional trauma, or as a result of using certain medications.

Stuttering can also be classified as chronic or recovery, meaning that some people (children) stop stuttering, while others stutter throughout life. Severe stuttering is more likely to be chronic.

What Causes Stuttering?

The exact cause of stuttering is unknown, and research in this area continues. It seems to be a combination of multiple factors, including:

• Neurological: Brain differences can affect speech and language. For example, a person who stutters may use the right side of their brain more than the left.
• Genetic: Developmental stuttering often runs in families, so there is most likely a genetic component. Studies suggest that genetics account for 50-80% of stuttering. Researchers have also identified four gene mutations that might be related to stuttering.
• Autoimmune: A recent case report shows that a childhood autoimmune disorder , streptococcus infections (PANDAS), may also cause stuttering. An autoimmune disorder occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. PANDAS harms the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain that can affect speech. 

Research on possible mechanisms of stuttering includes:

• Which children are more likely to outgrow stuttering
• Common causes shared by people with similar stuttering characteristics
• Medical imaging studies to examine brain anatomy and activity in PWS
• Whether PWS can learn to identify speech patterns associated with stuttering and avoid them

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood that someone will stutter or that stuttering will persist into adulthood. Stuttering is more common in people who:

• Were assigned male at birth
• Began stuttering after three years old
• Have environmental stressors like a demanding family environment or bullying  

Certain triggers can make stuttering worse. Triggers include:

• Feeling stressed, rushed, excited, or tired
• Speaking on the phone versus in person
• Speaking in front of a group rather than one one-on-one with someone
• Feeling embarrassed because someone brings attention to your stutter

Greater Fluency In Certain Situations

Stuttering is more common during spontaneous (conversational) speech. Interestingly, stuttering tends to be less frequent or even disappear in some situations. For example, PWS are often fluent when:

• Reading aloud in groups
• Speaking in unison
• Alone (talking to themselves)

Jamie Wolff, Health Editor

"I had a relatively severe stutter as a child, but I was fluent when I performed—and I performed often. Singing and acting empowered me and helped me learn how to use my voice in lyrical ways in order to make my speech more effective."

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

You might want to contact your healthcare provider or an SLP if the person who stutters:

• Stutters for more than 6-12 months
• Begins starting after three years old
• Stutters more often than the used to
• Exhibits secondary behaviors, like body tension, when stuttering
• Is frustrated when trying to talk
• Avoids talking

Testing and Diagnosis

Speech dysfluency isn't uncommon between 18 months and seven years old. Repetition of words or phrases often appears around the age of three years old, and children usually aren't frustrated by it.

In the past, pediatric and family healthcare providers took a “wait and see” approach to see if a child outgrew stuttering. Now, it's generally understood that early intervention improves outcomes. Screening and diagnosis might begin with these providers, but they will likely recommend a speech therapy consult.  

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists (STs) identify and treat speech and language disorders. Evaluation and diagnosis usually include the following:

• Listening to speech patterns—e.g., types of disfluencies
• Assessing receptive (ability to understand) and expressive (ability to verbalize) language
• Observing how the person who stuttering reacts to it—e.g., if they try to "fix" it

An ST or SLP will ask questions like:  

• When did the stuttering begin?
• How often does it occur?
• When does it occur? What makes it worse or better?
• Does anyone else in your family stutter?
• How does the PWS react to the stuttering?
• How do other people react to the stuttering?
• How does it affect PWS's life?
• Are there any additional speech difficulties?

Stuttering tends to cause more anxiety in older children and adults. It can also:

• Affect educational achievement
• Interfere with job performance or growth
• Inhibit people from talking to healthcare providers

How Is Stuttering Treated?

There is no cure for stuttering. Treatment often resembles coaching or therapy. It's very personalized and depends on things like age, severity of stuttering, and how it affects the person's life. It's also centered around a person's unique goals.

Fluency Strategies

For many people, the goal of speech therapy is to increase verbal fluency and gain a greater sense of control over stuttering.

Treatment for preschool children falls into two general categories:

• Direct: A speech therapist, parent, or guardian gives positive feedback (praise) when a child speaks fluently and offers gentle corrections when stuttering occurs. 
• Indirect: Parents or guardians change their actions to help increase fluency in the child’s speech. This involves creating a calm environment, reducing time pressures, and minimizing stressors that worsen stuttering. 

Treatment for school-age children, adolescents, and adults may include fluency shaping and stuttering modification. Fluency shaping creates new speech patterns using techniques such as:

• Slowed speech: Prolonging the duration of syllables to slow speech
• Gentle initiation: Beginning speech at a lower volume to create less tension on vocal cords
• Breath control: Taking deep breaths to relax the rib cage and speech muscles

Some stuttering modification techniques acknowledge and address stuttering directly. School-age children may be able to implement these, but therapists may reserve some for adolescents and adults. Techniques include:

• Voluntary stuttering: Briefly stuttering on purpose to gain greater verbal control
• Cancellations or time-outs: Adding an intentional pause after stuttering and repeating the word with the goal of easier onset
• Pull-outs: Gradually easing out of a stuttered word to interrupt a tense speech pattern and transition to a more relaxed way of speaking
• Choral reading: Reading aloud with others in unison to help gain a rhythm of speech

Other therapeutic strategies include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Challenging negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors related to social anxiety
• Self-disclosure: Openly sharing information about stuttering to promote understanding and reduce social anxiety
• Self-modeling: Recording and reviewing yourself speaking fluently to reduce anxiety and build confidence
• Ending avoidance behaviors: Breaking the cycle of avoidance behaviors to achieve greater acceptance of stuttering
• Support groups: To increase confidence, change beliefs about self-identity, and gain a sense of connection to others who struggle with similar challenges

Technology may also be part of a treatment plan:

• SpeechEasy: A delayed auditory feedback device that delays the time between speaking and hearing yourself
• Metronome: A device that produces a sound at a specific tempo to create a sense of speech rhythm and reduce the urge to speak quickly, which can make stuttering worse
• EMG biofeedback: Provides feedback about the level of muscle tension in the face, jaw, and neck area
• Virtual reality (VR): VR might be used for things like recreating social situations to practice speaking in public
• Telepractice: Speech therapy sessions using video conferencing platforms
• Mobile applications: Self-directed tools to practice speech therapy techniques

Medications

There are no FDA-approved medications for stuttering. Some people take medications that treat conditions like anxiety, but these are not approved for stuttering itself. Austedo (deutetrabenazine) and Ecopiam hydrochloride are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of stuttering.

Other Treatment Goals

Fear of stuttering and trying to avoid it can significantly affect communication and, in turn, all areas of life. Many people who stutter want to achieve greater fluency. Fluency might be considered "good" and dysfluency might be considered "bad." However, focusing on this alone can cause greater tension and difficulty. It can also make communication less effective.

Speech therapy also addresses cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial elements—all of which a person might continue to struggle with even if they speak fluently.

Other important treatment goals include:

• Understanding stuttering: This might include recognizing triggers and other underlying components
• Confident communication: For example, using more eye contact or speaking up in a classroom or work setting
• Using your voice more effectively: For example, varying intonation (changing vocal pitch based on what you're trying to convey) and the pace at which you speak
• Decentralizing stuttering: Recognizing that stuttering is part of who you are and that it doesn't define you
• Increasing self-sufficiency: For example, making your own appointments over the phone or successfully ordering what you'd like at a restaurant

Success does not always mean greater fluency. It might mean learning how to embrace your stutter and learning how to communicate more effectively with it. The ultimate goals of stuttering treatment are communicating more effectively and confidently, developing more helpful emotional responses to stuttering, and learning how to cope in ways that feel good to you.

"Over time, I’ve learned to appreciate the gifts of stuttering. For example, word substitution has made me into a walking thesaurus of sorts. I enjoy being creative with word choices and phrasing, which fuels my therapeutic outlet of choice: writing."

Coping Strategies

Stuttering can be a primary aspect of personal identity, and it can affect all areas of life. It can lead to embarrassment, frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It can also potentially lead to missed opportunities.

Here are a few tips to help you or a loved one cope with a stutter:

• Replace self-critical thoughts with positive affirmations
• Practice deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation techniques, which can release muscle tension and make fluent speaking easier
• Visualize successful, fluent conversations or public speaking 
• Encourage open communication with friends, families, and peers to help change misconceptions
• Consider joining a support group to gain new perspectives and connect with others
• Consider CBT to reduce social anxiety or practice desensitization (discussing fears of stuttering in a safe environment)

National Stuttering Organizations

In addition to advocacy, the following national stuttering organizations provide education and a network of support groups:

• National Stuttering Association
• The Stuttering Foundation
• American Institute for Stuttering
• Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter

Support Strategies

Support from family, friends, and professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of PWS. Here are some support strategies to help your child or someone you know:

• Educate yourself and others about stuttering
• Create a safe environment for the PWS to express themselves
• Give the PWS time to talk at their own pace and finish their thoughts independently
• Focus on their strengths and talents 
• Avoid teasing or negative reactions
• Maintain eye contact to show that you are listening and value their words
• Create an inclusive environment at home, schools, and workplaces 
• Seek professional advice from a speech therapist who specializes in stuttering

"As a PWS, feeling relaxed and unhurried works wonders for my stutter. I appreciate listeners who allow me time and space without interrupting or trying to finish my sentences for me."

A Quick Review

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by speech disruptions like repetition of sounds, word prolongation, blocks, and avoidance. It typically develops during childhood but can be acquired as an adult due to a brain injury, stroke, or trauma.

The exact cause of stuttering is unknown, but it seems to be a combination of neurological, genetic, and environmental components. Speech therapy often focuses on improving fluency, but other goals include communicating confidently, increasing self-sufficiency, and learning how to use your voice more effectively.

Jamie Wolff is an editor at Health and has an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and expressive therapies. She had a relatively severe stutter as a child. Though it's much milder now, it is still present most days.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Stuttering .

Maguire GA, Nguyen DL, Simonson KC, Kurz TL. The pharmacologic treatment of stuttering and its neuropharmacologic basis . Frontiers in Neuroscience . 2020;14. doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00158

MedlinePlus. Stuttering .

Gupta G, Chandra S, Dautenhahn K, Loucks, T. Stuttering treatment approaches from the past two decades: Comprehensive survey and review . Journal of Student Research . 2022;11(2). doi: 10.47611/jsr.v11i2.1562.

Perez HR, Stoeckle JH. Stuttering: Clinical and research update . Canadian Family Physician . 2016; 62 (6):479-484. PMID: 27303004

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. NIH researchers pinpoint additional gene tied to persistent stuttering .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Stuttering .

Jackson ES, Miller LR, Warner HJ, Yaruss JS. Adults who stutter do not stutter during private speech .  J Fluency Disord . 2021;70:105878. doi:10.1016/j.jfludis.2021.105878

Sønsterud H, Feragen KB, Kirmess M, Halvorsen MS, Ward D. What do people search for in stuttering therapy: Personal goal-setting as a gold standard?  J Commun Disord . 2020;85:105944. doi:10.1016/j.jcomdis.2019.105944

Gupta A, Mongia M, Vijay A, Sadhu R. Management of stuttering using cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation . Industrial Psychiatry Journal . 2019;28(1):4. doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_18_19

Svenning A, Panzarino R, Vanryckeghem M, Vestner T. Life partners’ perceptions of the emotional, speech disruptive, and attitudinal correlates of stuttering . Journal of Fluency Disorders . 2021; 67 :105821. doi:10.1016/j.jfludis.2020.105821

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Definition of flow noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

continuous movement

• the flow of an electric current
• flow (of something) (from something) She tried to stop the flow of blood from the wound.
• flow (of something) to something Exercise increases blood flow to the brain.
• flow (of something) into something a constant flow of tourists into the region
• flow (of something) through something a steady flow of traffic through the city
• to improve traffic flow (= make it move faster)
• to control the direction of flow
• Cut back surrounding vegetation to increase light and air flow.
• First cut off the water flow from the boiler.
• Changes in the flow of patients have reduced the number of beds available.
• The monument attracted a constant flow of visitors.
• an attempt to stem the flow of cheap imports
• Squeeze the tube of sealant slowly to obtain an even flow.
• The flow rate was measured at 9.5 gallons per second.
• The main flow of water has been diverted to a new course.
• They have to swim against the flow of the river.
• An uninterrupted flow of traffic prevented us from getting to the other side.
• The flow of adrenalin can help the mind to react quickly in a moment of stress.
• The whole operation depends on a steady flow of electricity.
• There was a swift flow of air through the room.
• against the flow
• the ebb and flow
• in full flow
• the rate of flow

Take your English to the next level

The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed on Thursday for stronger, more integrated European defenses and said the continent must not become a vassal of the United States, as he outlined his vision for a more assertive European Union on the global stage.

With just three years left of his second and final term in office, and after losing his parliamentary majority in 2022, Macron, 46, wants to show his critics that he retains the energy and fresh thinking that helped propel him into the presidency in 2017 and that he has not become a lame duck leader.

“There is a risk our Europe could die. We are not equipped to face the risks,” Macron said in his speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris, warning that military, economic and other pressures could weaken and fragment the 27-nation E.U.

Macron said Russia must not be allowed to win in Ukraine , and he called for a boost in Europe’s cybersecurity capacity, closer defense ties with post-Brexit Britain , and the creation of a European academy to train high-ranking military personnel.

“There is no defense without a defense industry ... we’ve had decades of under-investment,” he said, adding that Europeans should give preference to buying European military equipment.

“We must produce more, we must produce faster, and we must produce as Europeans,” Macron said.

Europe “must show that it is never a vassal of the United States and that it also knows how to talk to all the other regions of the world”, he said.

Macron has long called for European “strategic autonomy” involving less reliance on the United States, a stance that has gained greater resonance in the face of former President Donald Trump’s renewed bid for the White House . Trump has often accused Europe of free loading on defense at the United States’ expense.

However, many E.U. officials believe there is currently no credible alternative to the U.S. military umbrella, and some suspect Macron of pushing French industrial interests.

Economic challenges

Macron said Europe also risks falling behind economically in a context where global free-trade rules are being challenged by major competitors, and he said it should aim to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, biotechnologies and renewable energy.

The E.U. should agree exemptions to its own competition rules so it can support firms in sectors such as AI and green energy in the face of “oversubsidies” by the United States and China , Macron said.

Europe needs less fragmented markets for energy, telecoms and financial services, and must also cut red tape, he added.

The French leader hopes his speech will have the same impact as a similar address at the Sorbonne he made seven years ago that prefigured some significant E.U. policy shifts.

Since then, much has changed, with major geopolitical challenges including the war in Gaza , Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing China-U.S. tensions.

Thursday’s speech was billed by Macron’s advisers as France’s contribution to the E.U.’s strategic agenda for the next five years. The agenda is due to be decided after the European elections, when E.U. leaders will haggle over the bloc’s top jobs.

Macron has seen his personal popularity tumble, while his centrist Renaissance party is trailing the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) in polls ahead of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections.

Another challenge for Macron is that in the European Parliament, his group, Renew, is now the third-biggest but could fall to fourth place, opinion polls show, which would further limit his influence.

Is the crackdown on US university campuses a threat to free speech?

Hundreds of students and academics have been arrested during rallies opposing Israel’s war on Gaza. 

Students in US universities are speaking out against Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.

The protests began in New York’s Columbia University last week.

But the police crackdown that followed caused the anger to spread to other universities in the United States and even in Europe and Australia.

The students say their right to protest is being crushed.

Presenter: Laura Kyle

Jude Taha – Palestinian journalist and student at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

Jeremi Suri – Historian and professor of global leadership, history and public policy at The University of Texas at Austin

Rina Shah – Political strategist and a former senior congressional aide

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U.S. Military Aid for Ukraine Could Soon Flow Again

What would $60 billion buy? Lots of air-defense missiles and artillery ammunition, according to the Pentagon.

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By John Ismay and Eric Schmitt

Reporting from Washington

Shipments of American weapons could begin flowing to Ukraine again soon after a long-stalled aid package becomes law, U.S. officials say, with goods from the Pentagon’s stockpiles in Germany to be shipped quickly by rail to the Ukrainian border.

The measure would provide the Ukraine war effort with about $60 billion. A sizable amount is set aside to replenish U.S. defense stockpiles, and billions more would be used to purchase U.S. defense systems, which Ukrainian officials say are badly needed.

In a statement on Saturday after the House approved the aid package, President Biden urged the Senate to swiftly take up the measure to help meet Ukrainian forces’ “urgent battlefield needs.” It was expected to do so as early as Tuesday.

For months, Ukrainian military officials have complained that political paralysis in the U.S. Congress had created critical munitions shortages in the war against Russia. Ukrainian troops on the front lines have had to ration shells, and morale has suffered.

U.S. officials have not explicitly said which weapons the United States will send to Kyiv as part of the package, but Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters on Thursday that more air-defense and artillery ammunition would probably be included.

“We have a very robust logistics network that enables us to move matériel very quickly as we’ve done in the past,” General Ryder said.

“We can move within days,” he added.

Transfers from the United States by cargo aircraft and maritime vessels are typically arranged by the headquarters of U.S. Transportation Command , in rural Illinois, which maintains extensive databases of cargo ports, railways and roads that can be used by military and civilian transport craft around the world.

Weapons and ammunition sent to Ukraine are often drawn from Pentagon assets in Europe, with shipments coordinated by an organization created in late 2022 called the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, which is based in Germany and operates within the Pentagon’s European Command . It has a staff of about 300 people.

Military leaders have sent Ukraine 55 aid packages of weapons called PDAs — for presidential drawdown authority — containing a mix of vehicles, ammunition, drones and other items worth at least $26.3 billion since August 2021.

The aid packages, which often came twice a month after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, slowed significantly last fall as some Republicans have become bitterly opposed to sending more aid to the country.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed congressional movement on the aid package on Saturday.

“The world is still watching,” he warned in a statement. “Lives are still on the line. America’s long-term security is still at stake. We must never give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America’s resolve.”

The last aid package, announced on March 12, included Stinger antiaircraft missiles , guided rockets for HIMARS launch vehicles , small anti-tank rockets and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition that included cluster munition rounds .

General Ryder was asked about a nonbinding measure in the House legislation to send Kyiv weapons called ATACMS , which have been the Pentagon’s longest-range ground-launched guided missiles since the late 1980s.

The Biden administration agreed to provide a small number of those missiles last year, and Ukrainian forces used them to strike two air bases in Russian-occupied territory in October . Ukraine’s special operations forces said the attack damaged runways and destroyed nine Russian helicopters among other targets.

“Of course as you know, we’ve always said nothing is off the table,” the general said of potential new provisions of ATACMS. “But I don’t have anything to announce today.”

The United States has a limited number of these weapons, and officials have said that the rest of their ATACMS arsenal is reserved for contingency plans should the United States fight a war with Russia, North Korea or China.

Officials have also signaled that additional ATACMS could be provided to Ukraine as soon as the weapons’ replacements, called Precision Strike Missiles, begin to enter the Pentagon’s inventory.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of both missiles, said the company delivered the first four operational Precision Strike Missiles to the U.S. Army last year. A $220 million contract signed in March will provide the U.S. Army with more, though it was not immediately apparent how many that would buy.

The exact number of weapons the Pentagon has sent to Kyiv from its stockpiles is also unclear.

The last time the Defense Department updated the number of 155-millimeter artillery shells it had provided to Ukraine was in May, when it said that more than 2 million such projectiles had been sent so far. Each of the 17 aid packages announced for Ukraine since then have included 155-millimeter ammunition.

But sending more weapons to Ukraine depends on more than political will. The United States also has had to accelerate the production of the munitions Ukraine most needs to meet its demand.

In the United States, making artillery ammunition takes several weeks , as heavy steel bars are forged into empty projectiles in Scranton, Pa., then shipped to rural Iowa, where they are filled with explosives and prepared for delivery.

General Dynamics, which operates the Pennsylvania factory, is opening a new factory to make metal shell bodies outside Dallas to help increase total numbers of completed shells. The Army says it makes about 30,000 of the high-explosive shells each month, up from about 14,000 per month before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Army’s goal is to produce 100,000 155-millimeter artillery projectiles per month by 2025.

The United States is not alone in providing military aid to Kyiv.

Since April 2022, the defense secretary has convened meetings of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group roughly every month. The participants have included NATO nations, several of the United States’ major non-NATO allies and at least two South American nations that previously purchased arms from the Soviet Union and Russia.

The group solicits requests directly from Ukrainian military and civilian leadership.

After a virtual meeting of NATO defense ministers on Friday , Jens Stoltenberg, the alliance’s secretary general, said Germany would deliver an additional Patriot air-defense missile system to Ukraine along with about $4.3 billion in military support from the Netherlands among other aid from NATO members.

“Ukraine is using the weapons we provide to destroy Russian combat capabilities,” Mr. Stoltenberg said in a statement. “This makes us all safer.”

“So support to Ukraine is not charity,” he added. “It is an investment in our security.”

Robert Jimison and Helene Cooper contributed reporting.

John Ismay is a reporter covering the Pentagon for The Times. He served as an explosive ordnance disposal officer in the U.S. Navy. More about John Ismay

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt