Page 37 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Advanced Communication Skills

Notes
Examples: 1. WHITE house
In Washington

2. White HOUSE
House painted white
Rule 7: Sentence Intonation
Stress on different words while speaking a sentence may imply a different meaning at different
times.

Example: I don't think he should get the job.
This simple sentence can have many levels of meaning based on the word you stress. Consider
the meaning of the following sentences with the stressed word in bold. Read each sentence
aloud and give a strong stress to the word in bold:

I don’t think Hary should get the job.
Meaning: Somebody else thinks Hary should get the job.
I don’t think Hary should get the job.
Meaning: It’s not true that I think Hary should get the job.

I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: That’s not really what I mean. OR I’m not sure Hary’ll get that job.

I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: Somebody else should get that job.

I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: In my opinion it’s wrong that Hary’s going to get that job.
I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: Hary should have to earn (be worthy of, work hard for) that job.

I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: Hary should get another job.

I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: Maybe Hary should get something else instead.
As you can see, there are many different ways this sentence can be understood. The important
point to remember is that the true meaning of the sentence is also expressed through the stressed
word or words.

Task Write out a number of sentences. Read each of them stressing a different word each
time you read them. Notice how the meaning changes depending on which word you
stress. Don't be afraid to exaggerate the stress, in English we often use this device to add
meaning to a sentence. It's very possible that when you think you are exaggerating, it will
sound quite natural to native speakers.

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