Speaking clearly. Improving voice and articulation: Фонетический практикум. Фомиченко Л.Г. - 76 стр.

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ery, however, should be smoothly inflected and not exaggerated. Also,
speech should always be smooth, never halting or abrupt. Inflecting
pitch requires practice. You’ll become better at it with time.

       Energy. The level of enthusiasm or vitality that put into speak-
ing is important. In normal conversations, the level of energy you use
will depend upon your interest in the subject and upon your sur-
roundings at the time. You would not become overly enthusiastic while
speaking in a chapel, a quiet living room, or an intimate restaurant.
Your energy level would increase, however, during a conversation at a
sporting event. A sales presentation may call for a great deal of excite-
ment. A discussion with your child may require subtle, earnest tones.
In any case, although the energy or intensity level at which you
speak may vary, your enthusiasm for, and interest in your message,
must shine through.
       Duration. Every sound wave has duration, that is, it lasts a cer-
tain period of time. Syllabic stresses also have duration…... The duration
of vowels actually determines which sounds listeners perceive most
clearly during speech. To emphasize certain words or sentences, a
speaker may choose to draw out or to lengthen certain portions of a
word or phrase. Duration is closely tied to intensity, volume and
tempo.
       Tempo. There is no correct rate of speed at which one should
speak. That rate depends on a speaker’s mood and upon the content of
the message. Slowing down slightly to stress important words or phrases
adds emphasis and variety to speech. Speaking at a constant rate of
speed makes one sound robotic and dull.
       A faster tempo is appropriate when a message has great urgency
or holds special interest. However, no matter how urgent the mes-
sage, crisp enunciation continues to be of primary importance. Un-
fortunately, at a faster, more energetic tempo, precise articulation
becomes more difficult. Never sacrifice clarity for speed.
       A speaker slows down the tempo of a message that is not com-
pletely thought out. People tend to speak more slowly when thinking
about the content of a message to be delivered. The fact points up the
importance of marshaling our thoughts before we speak. A familiar
adage says, «Put your brain in gear before engaging your mouth!»