2. Learning Objectives
To understand the nuances of reading aloud
with expressiveness.
To apply principles of prosody to create greater
expressiveness when reading.
3. Introduction
Listen to these two audio samples from two
students reading a simple text.
Student A
Student B
One reads better than the other. Can you
recognise which one is it? What makes her
reading stand out from the other?
4. Introduction
In reading aloud, we need to take care of our
prosody.
Prosody is the meaning created in our speech
by changing our Pace, Stress, Volume,
Escalation of Pitch.
In mnemonic form, it means – Please Speak
Very Expressively.
We will discuss each of these in detail.
5. Pace
Pace or speed shows a quickening or slowing
down of the reading, to highlight a rising of
tension in the story or to show action.
1)Faster and faster, he ran. But it was too late.
2)I turned. What a sight!
3)The storm sewer ventured and vanished under
the running tracks.
Why do you think there's a difference in the
speed? Can it be seen by just the grammar or
vocabulary without reading aloud?
6. Learning Activity
One way to recognise an increase in speed is
the repetition of particular sound in a series of
words called alliteration.
Refer to your Learning Guide and highlight the
part in each sentence where there's a change in
Pace.
7. Stresses
A strong or weak emphasis on key words tells
the key idea in a sentence.
1) So you are saying we should do this?
Rather than someone else
2) So you are saying we should do this?
It's a good idea, not a bad idea.
3) So you are saying we should do this?
Not something else.
8. Learning Activity
Refer to your Learning Guide under 'Stresses'.
Underline the key words in the sentences and
say what meaning they create.
9. Volume
A loud or soft volume is used to express
emotion.
1)“Parents are the sky and children the earth.
Even if you've slept under my bed only once,
you're still my child. What parents do with their
lives is not for the child to judge! Have I let you
go hungry, without clothes or education? Ha!”
Punctuation is used to demonstrate the need
for a louder voice for expressiveness.
10. Learning Activity
Refer to your Learning Guide under 'Volume'.
Practice expressing the emotions of the
characters by raising your volume gradually
with each increasing font.
11. Escalation of Pitch
An escalation of pitch – from low to high-
pitched voice – expresses emotions.
1)Are you ready?
I am ready.
What effect does pitch in 'ready' has on the
listener when spoken in a:
a) high-pitched voice and,
b) low-pitched voice?
12. Learning Activity
The difference in pitch shows emotions. A
rising pitch – heightened emotion – and a
lowering pitch – depressed emotion. Practice
this dialogue with a partner.
A: Hello there! How are you?
B: On my way to jail.
A: Good God, what are you planning to do?
B: It's done.
13. Learning Activity
Refer to your Learning Guide.
Combine your knowledge of Prosody - PSVE -
to read the 3 different dialogues.
While others are reading, listen and give the
Banding as follows:
Band 1 – Most of the PSVE expressed
Band 2 – Some of the PSVE expressed
Band 3 – Few of the PSVE expressed
Band 4 – Little or none of the PSVE expressed.
14. Discussion
What is Prosody?
When prosody is applied, what effect does it
have on the listener?
15. In Summary
Prosody is the meaning created in our speech
by changing our Pace, Stress, Volume,
Escalation of Pitch when speaking.
By applying prosody in our speech, we express
our emotions better and creates a focus. The
listener will capture the full meaning of what
we want to say that grammar and vocabulary
alone do not provide.
