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Intonation is entirely about how we say things, rather than what we say. In intonation, the voice raises and drops according to the warmth and emotion of the person speaking. Intonation communicates a message or personal perspective. It is an interpretation of a personality to convey thoughts. In other words, it is also known as the music of language.

 

Mainly there are two types of intonations

 

Rising

Falling

 

1.Falling Intonation

Falling intonation is if we reduce our voice at the end of a sentence. This commonly appears in statements, commands, confirmatory questions tags, exclamations and WH questions that include words like where, when, what, why, how, and who.  It is used in WH questions, statements and has low energy emotions.

 

Here are some examples: 

Statements: 

1. The meeting will start in a minute. 

(The intonation start is used where the tone is falling)

 

2. She has ten years of experience.

(The intonation experience  is used where the tone is falling)

 

3. Submit it to HR. 

(The intonation is Submit is used where the tone is falling)

 

4. Put your work on the table.

 

5. Throw that idea out.

 

Question tags-  They are more like statements which require confirmation.

1. What is the job role

(Here the intonation is job role where the tone is falling)

 

2. Where do you live?

(Here the intonation is live where the tone is falling)

 

3. Who wants to go there?

 

4. Who are you mailing?

 

2. Rising Intonation

Rising intonation is if we increase the pitch of our voice at the end of a sentence. We use this kind of intonation in questions that answer “yes” or “no”. It is used to get clarity and includes high energy emotions.

 

Examples:

1. Did you send the proposal

( Here the intonation is proposal where the tone is falling)

 

2. Do you want to go?

( Here the intonation want where the tone is falling)

 

3. Can you pass that file?

 

Why is it important?

 

Intonation in English-speaking is the base which can avert misunderstanding and helps in communication in a much better way. It not only helps in talking but expressing yourself better. But attaining this art of intonation requires practice. We can either watch movies, listen to ted talks of people we like and observe how they speak, the voice modulation and learn from them.

 

Here are some question combinations with both rising and falling intonation. 

Practice saying them!

1. Do you know that company? How do you know that company?

2. Did you join a new workplace? What kind of workplace are you looking for?

3. Do you work? Where do you work?

 

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