Intonation (Glides and Steps)

​Add emotion to your speech

​DA-da-da, DA-da-da, DA-da-da

lo-LO-lo, lo-LO-lo, lo-LO-lo

re-re-RE, re-re-RE, re-re-RE

​ins and outs

ups and downs

right and wrong

United States

European Union United States and European Union

​Ahh?

Ahh.

Ohh?

Ohh.

Ooh?

Ooh.

Right?

​Right.

Uhh?

Uhh.

​Intonation Exercise #1: Yeah

First, we’re going to start with the word “yeah.” (It’s a little more common in everyday speech than the word “yes.”)

• Yeah (neutral)

• Yeah. (falling)

• Yeah? (rising)

• Yeah! (enthusiastic)

• Yeah!! (excited)

• Yeah!!! (super excited)

• Yeah?? (uncertain)

• Yeah??? (surprise)

• Yeah… (disinterested)

​Intonation Exercise #2: No

Next, let’s move on to “no.”

• No (neutral)

• No. (falling)

• No? (rising)

• No! (authoritative)

• No!! (forceful)

• No?? (uncertain)

• No?? (disbelief)

​Intonation Exercise #3: Okay

Next, let’s move on to the word “okay.” As in many languages, we use this all the time.

Let’s practice different emotions you can show through your intonation on the word “okay.”

• Okay (neutral)

• Okay. (falling)

• Okay. (agreeing)

• Okay? (rising)

• Okay! (annoyed)

• Okay!! (irritated)

• Okay?? (uncertain)

• Okay??? (insecure)

​Intonation Exercise #4: Right

Next, let’s move on to “right.”

• Right (neutral)

• Right. (falling)

• Right? (rising)

• Right! (authoritative)

• Right!! (aggressive)

• Right?? (uncertain)

• Right??? (insecure)