Contrast
Once the intonation of new information is established, you’ll soon notice that there is a pattern that breaks that flow. When you want to emphasize one thing over another, you reflect this contrast with pitch change. Notice how the intonation indicates contrast. Click on the button to hear.
Bob studies English.
Bob studies English, but he doesn’t use it.
If a person consistently stresses “contrast words” as opposed to “new information words”, he can end up sounding permanently argumentative:
I said it is good.
He doesn’t like it.
Where are you going?
Additionally, mixed messages occur when modals or verbs of perception are stressed — you end up with the opposite meaning!
People should exercise more, but . . .
They would help us, if . . .
It looks like Chanel, but at that price, it’s a knock-off.
He seems like a nice guy, but once you get to know him…
This lesson has been provided by Ann Cook, author of American Accent Training. Visit her website at www.americanaccent.com.