Quarter 2 – Module 7

Oral Language and Fluency

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippine

 Lesson
Using Appropriate Prosodic Features
1 of Speech

What I Need to Know

A. Word Stress
It is important that you are able to stress words correctly. Word stress is one of the prosodic
features of spoken language. In speech, stress may be defined as the degree of intensity or
loudness placed on a sound, syllable or word to give it importance. Stress may also be referred to as
accent. Stress is such an important feature of spoken language that it determines not only the
rhythmic flow of words but also the quality of the vowels. Word and sentence that are stressed could
give the different meaning and could either result to good. Therefore, whenever you learn the
meaning of a word, you must also know its correct pronunciation.

Most words of two syllables have one stressed syllable (primary stress) and one unstressed
syllable. Remember that in a stressed syllable, the vowel sound is longer and louder than it is in an
unstressed syllable.

Note: To determine the number of syllables in a word, simply count the number
of vowel sounds

bath (one vowel sound= one syllable)

Example:
bathroom (two vowel sounds= two syllables)
beautiful (although this word contains five vowels, there
are only three vowel sounds, and therefore only three
syllables)

Many two syllable words may be used as either nouns or verbs. These nouns usually have the
stress on the first syllable, while the verbs usually have the stress on the second syllable. (In a sentence,
you can tell whether a word is used as a noun by looking for markers of nouns such as articles,
possessives, demonstratives, numbers, prepositions, and adjectives). Practice reading them orally. You
can refer to a dictionary, like Meriam for correct pronunciation.
Nouns Verbs Nouns Verbs

récord recórd óbject objéct

present present rebel rebel
permit permit desert desert
project project conduct conduct
conflict conflict contrast contrast

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 EXCEPTIONS: In the list of words below, both nouns and verbs have the same
stress pattern.

Noun/ Verb Noun/ Verb

exchánge campaign comfort

delay remark program
express surprise comment
command support contact
control Promise

B. Rising and Falling Intonation

Intonation, the rising and falling of the voice when a person is speaking is another
important prosodic feature of spoken English. It is sometimes called the melody or the tune
of speech.
Notice that people tune in to intonation patterns to figure out the meaning behind
what we are saying. A speaker can change the meaning of an utterance just by using a
different intonation pattern. For example, “She’s here” spoken with a falling voice at the end
makes a statement. But "She’s here” said with a rising voice asks a question.
Statement: She’s here.
Question: She’s here?

Functions of Falling Intonation

Falling intonation is when the words in a sentence gradually fall in tone (or musical note)
almost in a stepwise manner. It is used in the following: (Practice reading them orally
following the pattern)
1. Statements or comments 3. Low energy emotions such as boredom

a. Jane bought a new laptop. a. I don’t feel like go ing.

b. The boys need some mo ney b. I’m so bored.

2. WH questions
4. Commands and Requests

a. Where are you go ing?

a. Please pass the but ter.

b. What time is it?

b. Go to b ed.

Rising intonation is often overused by both nonnative English speakers as well as

native speakers. Using rising intonation incorrectly can indicate you are unsure of yourself, in
a heightened emotional state, or wanting the listener to clarify what you are saying.:(Practice
reading them orally following the pattern)

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1. Questions with a yes/no answer 3. High energy emotions

a. Are you hungry? a. Ye hey, I won!

Is she here? b. Stop it!

b.

2. Requests for clarification (indicates uncertainty) 4. Question Tag

a. The meeting is at three, isn’t it?

a. Is he co ming?

b. He did? b. You’re go ing, aren’t you?

Functions of Mixed Intonation

Mixed intonations in English sentences serve several functions including:

1. Offering a choice of two (high to low intonation)

a. Bl ack or wh ite?

b. Do you want coffee or t ea?

Activity 1: If you were a Robot

Directions: Read the following statements like a robot (monotone).

1. Are you going to go with me?

2. Common let’s go, it’s getting late!
3. You have to stay at home or you’ll get grounded.

 What do you notice if you speak like a robot? Do you have variations in the
tone of your voice?
 If you speak like this, do you think you are able to communicate your feelings
and intentions?

Activity 2: Important or Not?

Directions: Answer the following questions below.
1. Why are stress and intonation pattern important features of spoken English?
2. When do we use:
a. Falling Intonation?
b. Rising Intonation?
c. Mixed Intonation?

C. Prosodic Features
Prosodic features are variations in pitch (intonation), stress patterns (syllable
prominence), and duration (length of time) that contribute to expressive reading of a text.
Reading fluency is more than just the ability to read fast; it includes an understanding of the
message being conveyed by the text. Prosody is a sign or an index that the reader is actively
constructing the meaning of the passage as the words are being identified and pronounced.

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 Voice Projection is the force or strength when someone sings wherein the voice is
used clearly and loudly. It is a technique employed to command respect and attention, as
when a teacher talks to a class, or simply be heard clearly, as used by an actor in a theater.
Volume (loudness) is a perception of energy used in voice production.
 Speaker must be audible to the audience
 Variety will help retain attention.
 May be used to convey nuance and emotion (shout vs. stage whisper)

Your rate of speech is how fast or slow you say your words. Everyone has a
different rate of speech depending on his/her location, age, culture, and how he/she feels. In
order to communicate effectively you must speak at a rate of speech that your listeners can
understand.
A FASTER speaking speed signals urgency, excitement, passion or raw emotion. In
contrast a SLOWER speaking rate signals importance, seriousness or significant ideas.
Slow says: LISTEN UP! YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS. A new concept or complex
information may need to be delivered slowly to give the audience time to grasp it before
moving on. ‘Slow’ is also useful for summarizing material. The combination of slow, fast, and
medium speed makes your speech easier to listen to.

Activity 3: Pair With Me

Directions: Pair-work. Work in pairs in the family in practicing the right intonation to achieve the purpose
or feeling indicated. Emphasize the appropriate stress in the italicized words.

Sentences Purpose/Feeling

1. He is my father. The speaker is stating a fact. (not the other fellow)

2. He is my father. The speaker is sure.(no doubt on his father)

3. He is my father. The speaker expresses ownership.(not anybody’s father)

The speaker emphasizes his father. (not an enemy,

4. He is my father.
But his father)

5. He is my father? The speaker doubts if he is his father.

6. He is my father. The speaker is excited.

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 Lesson Using Appropriate Non-Verbal
Cues When Delivering an
2 Entertainment Speech

What I Need to Know

Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication consists of range of appearances or features that are

oftentimes used together to help out an expression. These features combination could be a
subconscious choice of the native speakers or even sub-groups/sub-cultures within a
language group. The following are the main components of the system:

 Kinesics (body language) -Body movements ( drumming fingers, facial expressions

eye movements such as winking, gestures foot tapping , and shrugs,)
 Haptics- Touch
 Proxemics (proximity)- Using of space to give sign of attraction and privacy
 Oculesics – a gesture using Eye contact
 Chronemics – Using time, pausing and waiting
 Olfactics – the use of Smell
 Vocalics- the use of voice tone , speed timbre and volume
 Sound symbols- the use of grunting, mmm, er, ah, uh-huh, mumbling
 Silence – the use of pausing, secrecy, waiting
 Posture – the use of position of the body or stance
 Adornment – the use of clothing, hairstyle, jewelry
 Locomotion- the use of walking, staggering , limping , running, staggering

Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

 It strengthens our first response to a certain situation.
 It plays a significant role in a face to face undertakings
 It expresses non-verbal paralinguistic messages
 It provides feedback
 It regulates the continuity of communication
 It reinforces or modifies what is said

Activity 1: What Can You Say?

Directions: Below are other examples of non-verbal communication/gestures that you may follow
or refrain from doing in delivering a speech or a report. Use words from the list as well as any
other words you can think to describe these pictures.

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 bored uninterested frightened angry
sad happy annoyed disgusted
joyful pleased elated excited
surprised welcoming pleased

What I Have Learned

Activity 2: Generalization
Directions: Answer the following questions below.

1. When and how can we apply non-verbal communication in our daily undertakings? Do
you think it is important? Why?

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 Lesson Delivering a Self- Composed
Entertainment Speech Using All
3 the Needed Speech Conventions

What I Need to Know

Speech Conventions Defined

The word “convention” is used when there is an occurrence of general accepted usage or
practice. The written English conventions include aspects as punctuation, the layout of a letter or
a curriculum vitae, the format of a book. In oral language, formal debates, sermons and
speeches are forms of conventions. Children need to learn the conventions of their language -
when it is appropriate or inappropriate to use certain words, how to use politeness forms, and so
on. Language rules are highly resistant to change over time, but conventions can and do
change, both over time and from one audience to another.

1. Be Prepared
First, and foremost, the biggest mistake you can make when standing to deliver an
entertaining speech is to underprepare or simply not prepare at all. If the situation is impromptu,
even jotting some basic notes on a napkin is better than not having any plan for what you are
going to say. Remember, when you get anxious, as it inevitably happens in front of an audience,
your brain doesn’t function as well as when you are having a relaxed conversation with friends.
You often forget information. It is suggested to prepare simple notes when delivering a speech.

2. Be Adaptive to the Occasion

Not all content is appropriate for all occasions. If you are asked to deliver a speech
commemorating the first anniversary of a school shooting, then obviously using humor and
telling jokes wouldn’t be appropriate. But some decisions about adapting to the occasion are
less obvious.

3. Be Adaptive to your Audience

Based from experience, different types of audiences will react to a speech material of
speaker. If you want to be an effective speaker you should know more about the kind of
audience you will have before you deliver a speech. It is in getting to know your audience that
will help you in having a successful speech delivery. There are times when speaker delivers his
speech to his best of his ability but fail to know the simple techniques of knowing his audience
first. That is why it is suggested to take the public speaking courses if possible because public
speaking is significant to make a speech a successful one.

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4. Be Mindful of the Time

When delivering entertaining speeches successfully, be mindful of your time.

Entertaining speech have their own conventions and rules with regards to time. Acceptance
speeches and toasts, for example, should be under five minutes. An introduction speech should
be just enough to tell the audience to appreciate that person’s remarks. In contrast,
commencement and event speeches can run ten to twenty minutes. It’s also important to
understand that audiences on different occasions will expect speeches of various lengths. For
example, graduation commencement speakers generally speak for ten to twenty minutes, but if
the speaker gets closer to the twenty-minute mark, the more fidgety the audience becomes.

Punchline
A punchline is a phrase or sentence in a joke form. It can be an advertisement,
speech or humorous phrase that produces the desired effect (defined by dictionary.com). It’s a
short line that delivers a humorous lines for an audience to expect.

Here are some examples:

• There is no frigate like a Answer: Book No, the answer is page.
• The sound of silence is of course soundless.
• What we can get from dyslexic, dyscalculic and alcoholic? I see.

Here are some tips and tricks for writing funny punchlines:

1. Observe the footage of your favorite comedy players performing on stage or elsewhere.
Study the features of their punchlines, their delivery, timing, movement, styles and be
keen of what part gets the biggest laughter.

2. Start with a punchline. From the punchlines you make, select the best one. Write it down
and start making joke form it. Try several different styles and techniques in order to make
such joke the funniest ever.

3. Make it short and sweet. The funniest punchlines can be a word or sentence only. Don’t
make it long. Audience may get bored of longer punchline.

4. Make sure your punchline has a twist. A punchline diverts the story in an unexpected
twist. It throws the audience a different ending than the one they’re expecting.

5. Punchlines with two meanings drive the audience to think more but it can generate a lot
of positive response from them when they grasp the double meanings.

6. Time the delivery. You can pause a little while before you deliver the punchline to build
anticipation.

7. Be open to changing a punchline. You can edit, add, delete, revise new word to make
your punchline funnier and to make it timely.

8. Test your punchline . Try the effect of your punchlines to your friends, family, relatives
or even complete strangers, to find out its impact to them and to measure its the biggest
laughter..

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Here are some suggestions to make your roast speech effective:

1. Use personal pronouns to add a “ touch” and bridge the distance between the
speaker and the audience.
2. You may include direct quotations or statements said by your subject to make the
roast speech more interesting.
3. Remember to use polite expressions when giving a roast. The goal is to poke fun
without hurting feelings.
4. You may inject humor and add vivid descriptions to make the speech more
interesting.

Here is a sample roast for Tarzan. Observe closely.

“Aaaaaahhhhh!” sounds familiar? Good evening ladies and gentlemen. On

this very special occasion, I’d like to introduce an equality special guest who could
be considered an expert when it comes to nature.”I am the king of the jungle,” he
always says. We know a lot of decent-looking people with their Porche and Ferraris
who walk down the red carpet but he’s not one of them. He has traveled great
distances, not on planes but by swinging from tree to tree. He has talked to different
prominent figures, starting with the king (of the jungle), the queen (of the sky), and
the prince and princess (of the sea). He even possesses a great command with his
voice, that everybody would certainly follow. He’s no other than Tarzan, the Great!
Let’s give him a bunch of bananas.

Source: Celebrating Diversity Through World Literature (G-10 Learner’s Material, pp.330-331

Activity 1: Let’s Point it Out!

Directions: Refer to the sample roast for Tarzan. Let’s answer the questions.

1. What words or expressions in the speech made an impact on you? Explain

2. Point out the direct statements found in the sample speech. Write them on the
spaces provided .

3. State the humor statement or line injected in the speech.

Activity 2: I Can Write

Directions: Prepare a roast speech for a family member or a closest friend but remember to
poke fun without hurting feelings. Apply the use of punch line.

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 Assessment (Post-Test)

I. Multiple Choice
Directions: Read and answer the questions below. Select the letter of the correct answer
among the given choices.

1. Sitting legs apart means…

a. boredom c. dejection
b. open, relaxed d. anticipation
2. Rubbing hands mean…
a. anticipation c. doubt, disbelief
b. apprehension d. anger, frustration

3. The Rising Intonation is used with

a. Yes/No Questions c. Request for clarification
b. High energy emotions such excitement d. All of the above

4. What should a speaker do to catch the attention of the audience?

a. Present as much information as possible to keep the audience interested.
b. Present only unfamiliar information; audiences will be bored with the
familiar.
c. Use simple information to build up understanding of complex information.
d. All of these are correct
5. Among the choices given, which statement is clearly true about entertainment
speech?
a. It tends to change the audience's attitudes.
b. It tries to entertain the audience.
c. It tries to sway the audience's opinions.
d. It tends to be noncontroversial.

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Lesson 1
Activity 1: If you were a Robot
(Answers may vary)

Activity 2: Important or Not?

(Answers may vary)

Activity 3: Pair With Me

(Answers may vary)

Lesson 2
Activity 1: What Can You Say?
Key to Answers

1. angry
2. welcoming
3. surprised
4. happy
5. disgusted
Activity 2: Generalization
(Answers may vary)

Lesson 3
Activity 1: Let’s Point it Out!
(Answers may vary)
Activity 2: I Can Write
(Answers may vary)

Post-test
1. b
2. a
3. d
4. c
5. b