Today we’re talking about intonation – that is the rise and fall of the pitch of someone’s voice when they are speaking. Intonation plays a large role in audio communication by providing the listeners with clues about what they’re hearing. Intonation can actually change the meaning of a sentence. Take a moment to say the following sentence alloud in a monotone voice. Jim went to the park Because you kept your tone flat, anyone listening to your conversation will percieve that sentence as a statement. Where is Jim? At the park. Now try saying it alloud once more, however raise the pitch of your voice on the word park. By raising your pitch, you’ve change the statement to a question and signifying to your audience that you are unsure as to where Jim is.
Check out more examples of how intonation affects the meaning of sentences by completely a this listening test on [test:'TOEFL-Listening-Section-Attitude-Questions-Administrative-Concerns' attitude questions]!
Read the full article: It’s not What you say, it’s How you say it