Intonation drops when we finish a speaking turn

Falling tones tell the listener that the speaker has finished

In the first example, intonation goes up, which signals that the speaker wishes to continue. In the second sentence, intonation goes down signaling that the speaker is giving up their turn.

Turn taking in conversation is a difficult element to master. In English speaking turns are NOT strictly by turn, as it is in many languages. English often has "a catch as catch can" conversational turn taking system. However it is also guided by intonational cues.

Generally speaking a falling tone indicates that the speaker is relinquishing their speaking turn, that they are passing the floor on to someone else. A falling tone usually indicates that the speaker has finished speaking for that particular moment.

This is vital information for conversational management. It's not part of grammar but it's a vital part of langauge and communication.

Do your students know about these intonational cues in conversation? It's a vital part of listening. Top-Up Listening teaches this.

Teach your students about intonation and turn taking. They can use the information! back