“Wavering intonation” is used for expressing specific emotions or attitudes. With this type of intonation, the pitch changes within words.
Some of the emotions you can express with your intonation include anger, surprise, sarcasm, hesitation, uncertainty, disgust, fear, amazement, and pity.
Let’s start with the words you did. We can say them five different ways depending on the emotion or intention. Listen to the audio to hear the intonation changes.
|
Meaning |
1. You did? |
curious |
2. You did? |
very surprised |
3. You did? |
disappointed |
4. You did? |
angry |
5. You did. |
in agreement |
Now try saying the expression, thanks a lot, in three different ways. Change the intonation each time. |
1. Thanks a lot. |
normal |
2. Thanks a lot. |
very happy |
3. Thanks a lot. |
sarcastic |
Try saying okay with different emotions. |
Okay. |
normal |
Okay. |
hesitant or unwilling |
Okay! |
very excited |
Okay! |
frustrated and angry |
Try saying no with different emotions. |
No! |
angry |
No? |
surprised |
No... |
hesitant |
No. |
sarcastic |
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