With short questions and responses I’m showing you how to emphasize the most important word and what your response reflects based on the previous utterance in the conversation.

Let’s go!

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Emphasizing in a question:

Are you kidding me?

Surprised and maybe in a little disbelief.

For real?

As in “is this really happening?” or “are you telling the truth?”

You’re going where?

You’re really going to that place?

He said what?

You can’t believe what he said. 

Feeling okay? / Feeling okay?

Something they are doing or saying is making you wonder about this. Stressing both and connecting them or you can just emphasize the okay, depending on preference.

Emphasize the thing you’re surprised about but focusing on that word. This can be based on what has just been said by the other speaker but you can also emphasize when you want to hear something again or you’re making an exclamatory remark!

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Emphasizing in a statement:

I’m fine.

Pointing out that this is how you feel, and if anyone has any doubts that’s on them.

It’s freezing!

Remarking on how cold temperatures

We’re famished!

Emphasizing being hungry 

Leave him be.

Emphasize the be, to be leave him as is don’t try to talk to him right now.

What amazing news!

Secondary stress on amazing but primary stress on news

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So those are some examples of using emphasis to pronounce words when responding with a two-worded question, emphasizing with a question, and emphasizing in statements! Connected speech, standalone pronunciation, and pronunciation for emphasis all carry slightly different pronunciation. So, when you’re emphasizing, think about what is the most important point to get across as you speak the words.

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Alright Advanced English learners, thanks for joining me in this lesson. The full transcript of this lesson can be found on our blog, so be sure to check out advanced english dot co forward slash blog. If you prefer to listen to this lesson, check out our podcast; it's available on our website. And if you love the podcast, be sure to leave us a nice review, that really helps us out! See you in the next one where we’ll continue advancing your English together! Until then, keep up the awesome work.

About the Author and the Explearning Academy:

Meet Mary Daphne, the founder of the Explearning Academy. She specializes in helping professionals build strong communication habits, refine their executive presence, and achieve personal growth. The Explearning Academy is designed for those looking to boost their social fluency, advance their careers, and confidently navigate any social setting. Through a flexible blend of self-study materials and supportive monthly live coaching, participants develop sought-after social skills and find pathways to significant career advancement. Ready to elevate your negotiation prowess and network with driven individuals? Head over to academy.explearning.co to see how. Become part of the Explearning Academy community and start transforming your potential into reality.

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