UNIT -1

Q. What is Communication?
The word "communication" has been derived from a Latin word 'communicare' which means 'sharing'.
Communication is, indeed sharing; sharing of ideas and feeling between two more persons.
Communication is a two-way affair which aims at passing on or receiving a specific piece of information.
Technical communication
Technical communication is a means to convey scientific, engineering, or other technical information.
Individuals in a variety of contexts and with varied professional credentials engage in technical
communication. Some individuals are designated as technical communicators or technical writers. These
individuals use a set of methods to research, document, and present technical processes or products.
Technical communicators may put the information they capture into paper documents, web pages,
computer-based training, digitally stored text, audio, video, and other media. The Society for Technical
Communication defines the field as any form of communication that focuses on technical or specialized
topics, communicates specifically by using technology or provides instructions on how to do something.
More succinctly, the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators defines technical
communication as factual communication, usually about products and services. The European
Association for Technical Communication briefly defines technical communication as "the process of
defining, creating and delivering information products for the safe, efficient and effective use of products
(technical systems, software, services)"
Whatever the definition of technical communication, the overarching goal of the practice is to create
easily accessible information for a specific audience.
Q. What are the features of technical writing (Communication)?
A. Written communication is a powerful medium in all walks of life. The scientists, engineers,
researchers and doctors write reports and prescriptions which are different from general writing. Some
important features of technical writing are mentioned below:
a. Use of familiar and easy words: In professional and technical writing, instead of the abstract words,
familiar words should be used. Technical writing does not require unessential words. The writer should
not use too many words where few would do since unnecessary talk will divert the attention of the writer
as well as of the reader from the main point.
b. Use of clear sentences: The writer should place the main idea at the outset. He should follow normal
word order-subject-verb-object. The sentences must be clear in terms of its sense.
c. Use of sentences of moderate length: Experts are of the opinion that sentences should be of moderate
length. Too much short of too much long sentences make the writings either too simple or too difficult.
Generally 12-15 words should be put in a sentence
d. Use of active voice: Most of the sentences should be written by using active voice rather than passive
voice. Only when the object (work) is having more importance and the subject does not have any
importance; passive voice can be used.
e. Avoid inaccurate expressions: Precision and accuracy are two important features of a technical
writing. Inaccurate expressions lead to obscurity that will ultimately mar the purpose of a technical
writing.
f. Logical division of paragraphs: In order to make a technical document clear and meaningful, thoughts
should be properly arranged into different paragraphs. A paragraph is generally defined as a unit of
thought hence a single idea must be conveyed in a paragraph. Just as the usage of the grammatical
principles and the rules of punctuation are necessary for coherence in a professional document so is the
arrangement of ideas in different paragraphs.

Q. Difference between General and Technical (Professional) Communication (Writing).

Short stories, dramas, poems, essays, novels etc. are some of the forms of general communication.
Reports, applications, research papers, articles are some of the forms of technical communication.
Technical and general communications are different from each other from various points of view.
Some basic differences between technical and general communication are as follows:

Technical Communication General Communication

Purpose is to inform and impart information. Just to entertain the people

Technical Communication is based on data and General Communication is based on imagination

facts. and fantasy.

Style is accurate and precise.

Style is poetic, decorative and bombastic.

Language should be simple. Extravagance and pompous words are used.

Is for specific audience/reader Is for general audience/reader

Technical vocabulary is used General vocabulary is used

It follows a systematic pattern; start with It does not have a systematic pattern, it can start
introduction, in the mid- discussion are made with end and the rest of activities can be shown in
and at the end conclusion is drawn. flash-back.

Q. What are the elements of communication OR What is the process of Communication?

 PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
The communication process consists of the following elements:
Sender, Message, Encoding, Channel, Receiver, Channel, Feedback, Noise
1. Sender: Sender is the person who initiates the process of communication. The sender may be a
speaker, a writer, an actor, a painter, etc.
2. Encoding: The process of converting the message into words, symbols, pictures, etc. is called encoding
3. Message: Message means whatever is to be communicated. It is the heart of communication process
4. Channel: The medium through which the message is sent is called channel. It may be a speech, a letter,
an e-mail, SMS, gesture, sound, etc.
5. Receiver: The person to whom the message is sent is the receiver. The receiver may be a listener, a
reader or a viewer.
6. Feed back: The reaction or response to the message is called feedback
7. Noise: Any disturbance, hurdle or barrier to communication is the notice
The writer or the communicator conveys the message. He /she encodes (selects the relevant information
which is to be send) the message it to the reader. The receiver decodes (understand the information which
is received) the message and responds (send the feedback) to the sender.
The transmission of the receivers respond to the sender is called feedback. Feedback is very important for
effective communication. The process of communication cannot be complete until feedback is taken.

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is of several types and may be classified as follows:
1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION: In verbal communication words and language are used to convey the
message. Verbal communication is of two types:
(a) Oral communication: It means communication through spoken words. It may be face-to-face
(lecture, seminar, conference, meeting, informal conversation, chit-chat, gossip, or telephone). Clear
voice and tone are necessary for effective oral communication. Speaking at too fast/slow speed or two
high/low volume impairs oral communication:
(b) Written communication: Communication via SMS, e-mail, letter, brochure, hand book, report is
written communication. Such communication is essential in case of formal business interactions (memo,
proposal, press release, contract, etc.) and legal documentation. Grammar, vocabulary, writing style, etc.
determine the effectiveness of written communication. Verbal communication is the easiest and fastest
form of communication. Even then it constitutes a very small part (about 7 per cent) of all human
interactions.
2. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION: Communication without using words is called non-verbal
communication. Non-verbal communication may take the following forms:
(a) Body Language: Communication through facial expressions, gestures, stance, touch and other
physical signs is called body language. For example, leaning forward may indicate interest and
acceptance whereas leaning backward may mean rejection and lack of interest. Body language (e.g. smile,
frown, clenching of hands etc. can transmit emotions which cannot be expressed through words. Body
language constitutes a major part (about 55 per cent) of all communication.
(b) Paralanguage: Pitch, tone, quality, etc. of voice is known as paralanguage. The way one speaks,
rather than words, reveal the intent of the speaker. Paralanguage constitutes about 38 per cent of all
communications.
 (c) Aesthetics: Music, dancing, painting sculpture and other forms of art serve as means of
communication. These convey the feelings and thoughts of artists.
(d) Appearance: Dress and grooming create the first impression. In offices, there is a dress code. Formal
dress for men may consist of shirt, trouser, coat and leather shoes. For women, it may consist of saree,
suit, shirt, trouser or skirt.
(e) Symbols: Symbols may relate to religion, status, ego, etc. These convey the special meaning. For
example, the number of stars on the shirt of a police officer reveals his/ her status.
3. VISUAL COMMUNICATION: In visual communication, signs, drawing, graphic design, colour,
illustration and other visual aids are used to convey the message. For example, colours are used to control
traffic. Visuals such as graphs, pie chart, flow chart, etc. convey considerable information in a clear and
concise manner. These are a powerful medium and are an essential part of official presentations.
4. AUDIO-VISUAL COMMUNICATION: Use of voice and visuals together is called audio-visual
communication. Radio is an audio medium while television and films are audio-visual media of
communication. Combination of spoken words and pictures is a very powerful form of combination.
5. FORMAL COMMUNICATION: Communication through the organisational hierarchy (chain of
command) and in accordance with the policies, rules and conventions of the organization is called formal
communication. It can be both oral and written. Formal communication can be in the following patterns:
(a) Vertical communication: Flow of information downwards and upwards in the organization is called
vertical communication. Managers pass down orders and instructions to their subordinates for
implementation. Subordinates transmit reports, suggestions, grievances and requests to their superiors.
(b) Horizontal communication: Communication between individuals/departments at the same level of
authority is known as horizontal communication. For example, heads of production and marketing
departments hold a meeting to discuss quality and price of a product.
(c) Diagonal Communication: This type of communication takes place between employees working in
different departments and at different levels of authority. Such cross functional communication reduces
the chances of distortion or misrepresentation. For example, the marketing manager may directly ask a
factory manager about the cost and quality of output.
6. INFORMAL COMMUNICATION: When two or more employees in an organization exchange
views without following the official rules and procedures it is called informal communication or
grapevine. It is unofficial, friendly and casual. It is based on common interests and attitudes. It helps to
satisfy social needs of employees and to build relationships. For example, during the lunch break,
employees working in different departments of an organization may discuss new leave rules.

Q. Describe Language as a tool of communication.

Whatever an individual visualizes thinks or looks through the thought process in his/her mind carry
images and memorizes these experiences, which shape our ideas and influence our thoughts and actions,
the moment we experience something new we alter our viewpoint. Hence individuality is the sum of all
these myriad experiences, this is the reason people have varied new points. Language is used by the
people to give shape to their experiences but language too is subject to error and many a times leads to
misunderstanding. Language is essentially a means of communication among the members of a society.
In the expression of culture, language is a fundamental aspect. It is the tool that conveys traditions and
values related to group identity.
Q. Describe the Levels of Communication?

Human communication takes place at various levels:

1. Extra personal Communication: Communication between human beings and non-human beings is
extra personal communication. There should be perfect coordination and understanding between the
sender and the receiver as at least one of them transmits information or responds in sign language only
from any other form. E.g. a pet to human beings.
2. Intrapersonal Communication: The communication takes place within the individual is intrapersonal
communication. As feeling cold, hot, thinking process etc.
3. Interpersonal Communication: Communication at this level refers to the sharing of information
among people. In this communication, the roles of sender and receiver keep alternating. This form of
communication is advantageous because direct and immediate feedback is possible.
Interpersonal communication can be formal or informal. Depending upon the formality of the situation,
interpersonal communication takes on different style.
4. Organisational Communication: - Communication in an organisation takes place at different
hierarchical levels. Since a large number of employees are involved in several different activities, the
need to communication becomes greater in an organisation. It is of two types:
a. Internal Operational:- All communication that occurs in conducting work within an organisation is
classified as internal-operational.
b. External Operational: - The work related communication that an organisation does with the people
outside the organisation is called external operational.
5. Mass Communication: - In this communication, we require a mediator to transmit information, several
mass media such as journals, books, television, and newspapers which such communication.
Characteristics of Mass Communication:-
i. Large Reach:- For the large reach audience scattered over wide area.
ii. Impersonality:-The participants are known to each other.
iii. Presence of Gatekeeper:- Mass communication needs additional persons, institutions or organisation
to convey the message from sender to receiver. The editor is therefore, the gatekeeper in the mass
communication process.

Q. Describes the flow of communication?

Information flows in an organisation both formally and informally. Internal operational and eternal
operational communication can be described as formal. Informal channels, such as policy or procedural
changes, offers, instructions, confidential reports, etc. are classified as formal communication.
Communication can flow in various directions:
1. Downward Communication: - The communication flows from high official to inform instruct, advice,
or request their subordinates is known as downward communication. Such communication increases
awareness about the organisation among subordinates and employees.
It can take any form-memos, notices, face to face interaction, or telephone conversation
2. Upward Communication: -Communication which flows from subordinates to higher officials. When
subordinates send reports to inform their superiors or to present their findings and recommendations, the
communication flows upward.rector1Director 2Director3Director1Director
3. Lateral or Horizontal Communication: - The communication which takes place among equivalent
employees hierarchy in an organisation is known as lateral or horizontal communication. It enables the
sharing of information with a view to up rise the peer group of activities of a department.
For e.g.: - The vice-president (marketing) sending some survey results in the form of a memo to the vice-
president (Production) for further action is an example of lateral communication.
4. Diagonal Communication or Cross-wise Communication: - This type of communication flows in all
direction and cuts across function and levels in an organisation.
For e.g. When a sales manager communicates directly with the vice president (production), who is not
only in a different division but also at a higher level in the organisation, they are engage in diagonal
communication.
The increased use of e-mail also encourages cross-wise communication.irector1Director
Director3Director1Director 2Director3Director1Director 2Di
Q. What is Noise?
A. Any interference in the message sent and message received leads to the production of noise.

Q. What are barriers to communication? Explain in brief.

Barriers to Communication:
The term „barrier‟ means „hurdle‟, hindrance‟ or obstacle‟. Thus, barriers to communication imply hurdles
or obstacles on the way to transmission of ideas from the sender to the receiver. Barriers are called as
hindrance or obstacle in the free flow of communication. These can be because of several causes. The
classification of barriers according to the process of message formation and delivery, are as follows:
1. Intrapersonal Barrier
2. Interpersonal Barrier
3. Organisational Barrier
1. Intrapersonal Barrier: - Individuals differ from each other because of their inbuilt capabilities like,
experience, education, value and personality.
Certain causes are responsible for the individual's inbuilt barriers. They are: -
a. Wrong assumptions
b. Varied perceptions
c. Differing background
d. Wrong inferences
e. Impervious categories
f. Categorical thinking
Wrong Assumption: - These are generally made because the sender or the receiver does not have
adequate knowledge about each other's background or entertains certain false notion, which are fixed in
their mind.
Varied Perceptions: - It occurs with the individuals who perceives situation in different ways. It happens
only when a narrow perspective of the issue is used in communication.
Differing Background: - It occurs when the communication takes place between the speakers of
different backgrounds with listener of different backgrounds. Backgrounds differ in education, culture,
language etc.
Wrong Inferences: - The inference in fact and confusion because of difference between what actually
exists and what had assumed to exit. This is wrong inference.
Impervious Categories: - When Individuals react positively to information only if it is in consonance
with our own views and attitudes. Conversely, when individuals information that does not conform to our
personal views, habits and attitudes or appears unfavorable to them, they tend to react negatively or even
disbelieve. This is impervious categories.
Categorical Thinking: - When individuals react like pan sophists (Known it all); they refuse to accept
any further information which they feel that the information is known to them.
2. Interpersonal Barrier: -Intrapersonal barriers stem from an individual's attitude or habits, whereas
Interpersonal Barriers occur due to the inappropriate transaction of words between two or more people.
Common Reasons for Interpersonal Barriers: -
a. Incongruity of verbal and non-verbal messages.
b. Emotional outburst
c. Cultural variance
d. Communication selectivity
d. Limited vocabulary
f. Poor listening skill
g. Noise in the channel
Incongruity of verbal and non-verbal messages: - When non-verbal cues do not match with verbal
message, then barriers in communication takes place. Non-verbal cues provide a deeper insight into
sender's message. For example: - Action speaks louder than words
Emotional Outburst: - A moderate level of emotional involvement intensifies, communication, making
it more personal. Excessive emotional involvement can be an obstacle in communication. Positive
emotions like happiness and excitement also interfere in communication, but to a lesser extent than
negative feelings.
Limited Vocabulary: - An inadequate, improper vocabulary can be a major hindrance in communication.
A good vocabulary is of no use unless the communicator knows how to use it.
Communication Selectivity: - When the receiver pay attention only to a part of the message, a barrier is
created and it is known as communication selectivity. In such a situation, the sender is not at fault. It is
receiver's fault.
Cultural Variance: - Cultural variance can be in the form of laws, customs and business practices in the
area or management and companies. It is one of the predominant factors in communication failure.
Poor Listening: - A common obstacle to communication is poor listening habits. Listening requires
careful attention and accurate decoding of the signals received from the speaker. Various distractions that
hinder listening can be emotional disturbances, indifference, aggressiveness and wandering attention. It
acts as a barrier when an individual is so engrossed in his/her own thoughts and worries the he/she is
unable to concentrate on the listening.
Noise in the Channel: - Noise interferes greatly in the transmission of signals. Noise is any unwanted
signals which acts as a hindrance in the free flow of communication. Technical noise can be in the form
of disturbances in the telephone wires/lines, illegible writing, dim typescripts etc.
3. Organisational Barrier: - Communication barriers are not limited to an individual or two people but it
exist in entire organisation. Irrespective of size, all organisations have communication complexity of this
protocol usually cause communication barriers.
In an organisation, a rigid, hierarchical structure usually restricts the flow of communication because of
numerous transfer points which result to distort, delay or lose of message.
The main organisational barriers are enumerated below: -
I. Too Many Transfer Station: - The reasons for filtering or distorting the message, having too many
transfer stations is always a deterrent to effective communications.
II. Fear of Superiors: - In rigidly structured organisations, fear or awe of the supersiors stops the people
to communication frequently by which communication does not flow freely.
III. Negative Tendencies: - Communication barriers occur in an organisation due to confusion of idea
between members and non-members of a group. These groups may be formal or informal and generally
consists of people who shares values, attitudes, opinions, beliefs and behaviours.
IV. Use of Inappropriate Media: - The common media used in an organisation are graphs, charts,
telephones etc, while choosing the medium, we should consider time, cost, type of message and intended
audiences. If there is no balance between the factors of medium, it leads to barrier.
V. Information Overloaded: - The availability of huge amounts of data which the receiver is unable to
handle effectively is known as information overloaded. It is one of the major problems faced in the
organisations today.

GATEWAYS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: (OVERCOME BARRIERS)

Effectiveness of the communication largely depends on the reciprocal understanding; mutual exchange of
ideas, facts, and information for it is not one-sided game or the exclusive affair of the transmitter of the
message. The characteristics of a good communication system are as follows:
(i) Two-Way Process:
In communication, two parties are involved, namely, the sender or transmitter, and the receiver. The
effectiveness of the communication depends on both the transmitter and the receiver, a joint role in
making it perfect. A good communication system should be like a two-way-traffic to transfer knowledge,
information, message etc.
(ii) Mutual Trust:
For a good communication system mutual understanding between the transmitter and the receiver of the
message is very important.
Existence of healthy interpersonal relationship between the upper level employees and the subordinates is
also an indicator of a good system of communication.
Clarity of Message:
Clarity is a very important for the free of communication. The information must be as clear as possible.
No ambiguity should creep into it. The message should be encoded in direct and simple language so that
the receiver is able to understand it without much difficulty.
(iii) Timely Message:
Considerable attention should be given to the timeliness of communication. Delayed information is worse
than none at all. Thus the information must reach on time to the receiver of the
Feedback: Communication cannot attain its goal unless the feedback is given. Through feedback system
only can understand the impact of the delivered message.

IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS/PRINCIPLES/THE SEVEN“C’S”OF COMMUNICATION:

Seven C’s of Communication

1. Completeness - The communication must be complete. It should convey all facts required by the
audience. The sender of the message must take into consideration the receiver‟s mindset and convey the
message accordingly. A complete communication has following features:
Complete communication develops and enhances reputation of an organization.
 Moreover, they are cost saving as no crucial information is missing and no additional cost is incurred in
conveying extra message if the communication is complete.
 A complete communication always gives additional information wherever required. It leaves no
questions in the mind of receiver.
 Complete communication helps in better decision-making by the audience/readers/receivers of message
as they get all desired and crucial information.
 It persuades the audience.

2. Conciseness - Conciseness means wordiness, i.e, communicating what you want to convey in least
possible words without forgoing the other C‟s of communication. Conciseness is a necessity for effective
communication. Concise communication has following features:
 It is both time-saving as well as cost-saving.
 It underlines and highlights the main message as it avoids using excessive and needless words.
 Concise communication provides short and essential message in limited words to the audience.
 Concise message is more appealing and comprehensible to the audience.
 Concise message is non-repetitive in nature.

3. Consideration - Consideration implies “stepping into the shoes of others”. Effective communication
must take the audience into consideration, i.e, the audience‟s viewpoints, background, mind-set, education
level, etc. Make an attempt to envisage your audience, their requirements, emotions as well as problems.
Ensure that the self-respect of the audience is maintained and their emotions are not at harm. Modify your
words in message to suit the audience‟s needs while making your message complete. Features of
considerate communication are as follows:
 Emphasize on “you” approach.
 Empathize with the audience and exhibit interest in the audience. This will stimulate a positive reaction
from the audience.
 Show optimism towards your audience. Emphasize on “what is possible” rather than “what is
impossible”. Lay stress on positive words such as jovial, committed, thanks, warm, healthy, help, etc.

4. Clarity - Clarity implies emphasizing on a specific message or goal at a time, rather than trying to
achieve too much at once. Clarity in communication has following features:
 It makes understanding easier.
 Complete clarity of thoughts and ideas enhances the meaning of message.
 Clear message makes use of exact, appropriate and concrete words.

5. Concreteness - Concrete communication implies being particular and clear rather than fuzzy and
general. Concreteness strengthens the confidence. Concrete message has following features:
 It is supported with specific facts and figures.
 It makes use of words that are clear and that build the reputation.
 Concrete messages are not misinterpreted
6. Courtesy - Courtesy in message implies the message should show the sender‟s expression as well as
should respect the receiver. The sender of the message should be sincerely polite, judicious, reflective and
enthusiastic. Courteous message has following features:
 Courtesy implies taking into consideration both viewpoints as well as feelings of the receiver of the
message.
 Courteous message is positive and focused at the audience.
 It makes use of terms showing respect for the receiver of message.
 It is not at all biased.

7. Correctness - Correctness in communication implies that there are no grammatical errors in

communication. Correct communication has following features:
 The message is exact, correct and well-timed.
 If the communication is correct, it boosts up the confidence level.
 Correct message has greater impact on the audience/readers.
 It checks for the precision and accurateness of facts and figures used in the message.
 It makes use of appropriate and correct language in the message.

Code and Content of Communication Skills:

Any human communication system involves the production of a message by someone, and the receipt of
that message by someone else. To encode a message, one must possess the necessary encoding skills.
Languages are codes. A code may be defined as any group of symbols that can be structured in a way that
is meaningful to another person. The English language, like any other language, is a code—it contains
element that are arranged in a meaningful order. A code has a group of elements (vocabulary) and a set of
procedures for combining these elements meaningfully (syntax).
Next is the message content, i.e., the message that is selected by the source to express its purpose.
Content, like codes, has both element and structure. When more than one piece of information is to be
presented, they should have some order or structure.
An individual may sometimes be identified by his characteristic way of structuring messages. This is
because the individual communicates in a way that is distinctive to him. He uses a distinctive way or
method, which has become his habit by constant use.

Stimulus and Response of Communication Skills:

Stimulus and response are the two terms that are frequently used in any discussion on the communication
process. A „stimulus‟ is anything that a person can receive through one of his senses. In fact, it is anything
that can produce a sensation. And a „response‟ is anything that an individual does as a reaction to the
stimulus.
These two terms, stimulus and response, are ultimately connected with the whole learning process. The
communication objective of the source is to bring about a change in the behaviour of the receiver.

What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the study of language. The word Linguistics is derived from the Latin words Lingua and
istics- meaning tongue and knowledge respectively. Thus, linguistics may be known as the scientific
study of Language.
Phonetics:
Phonetics is the science of human speech sounds. It deals with the pronunciation and representation of
the sounds of speech. T. Balasubramanian writes, “Linguistics is a systematic study of language.
Phonetics is a branch of linguistics and it is the branch dealing with the medium of speech. It deals with
the production, transmission and reception of the sounds of human speech.”
Phoneme:
Every language has a large number of different sound segments, both vowels and consonants. These
sound segments of a language are known as phonemes.
Syllable:
The syllable is a unit adopted for the analysis of speech. It can be defined in terms of the pulmonic air
stream mechanism. When we make use of this mechanism in speech, the air from the lungs does not come
out in a regular and continuous flow. The muscles of the chest contract and relax alternately and thus the
air is pushed out in small puffs at the rate of approximately five times per second. Each such movement of
the muscles, called a chest-pulse, corresponds to a syllable. A syllable may be defined as a unit of
pronunciation consisting of a vowel alone or a vowel with one or more consonants. On the basis of the
number of syllable, the words are classified into monosyllabic, disyllabic and polysyllabic. As pen-cil,
po-pu-lation etc.
Word Accent/Stress in Speech:
In the words of more than one syllable, not all the syllables are equally important. Some syllables in
polysyllabic words are strongly stressed while some are weakly stressed. The syllable that is more
prominent than others is said to receive stress or the accent. The word stress means force or pressure. In
terms of spoken language, stress means a greater breath force, greater muscular effort and greater
vibration of the vocal cords in producing certain sounds. Paul Christophersen explains, “When we say
that a certain syllable is strongly stressed, we mean that it is altered with great energy. The air is ejected
from the lungs with more effort and the other speech organs perform their actions with more vigour than
for a weakly stressed syllable. The effect is that the stressed syllable seems louder than the others.” Like
Iagent, Ialways,Idamage,Icarry,Ieffort, employIee, conItinue. Etc.

Types of Stress and Accent: The accent or stresses are of two types:
1. Primary Stress or Tonic Accent
2. Secondary Stress or Non-tonic Accent
There are several polysyllabic words in which two syllables may be prominent or strong. The syllable
which is more prominent (as it is articulated with greater breath) may receive a pitch change. In a
polysyllabic word the syllable on which a pitch movement takes place is said to receive Primary Stress or
Tonic Accent. The syllable that has the next degree of prominence in the same word is said to receive
Secondary stress or non-tonic accent. Primary stress is marked with a vertical bar above and in front of
the syllable to which it refers. As IConstiItution, IDepoIsition

Intonation:
When somebody speaks then continual variations in pitch can easily be noticed. There are continuous rise
and fall in one‟s speech. S. K. Bansal says, “The term intonation refers to pitch patterns that are part of
the structure of sentences.”
Kinds of Intonations:
There are mainly the following types of Intonations:
The Falling Tone:
When the speaker begins a sentence at a high note but gradually shifts to a lower as he reach to the end of
a sentence, it is known as a falling tone. A falling tone will be marked with a symbol \ in front of the
syllable to which it refers. The symbol will be above the line for a high falling tone and below the line for
a low falling tone. As \Then, \ Look, \Do \Tell
The Rising Tone:
When the speaker begins at a lower note, but gradually shifts to a higher note as he reaches to the end of a
sentence, it is known as a rising tone. A rising tone will be marked with a symbol./in front of the syllable
to which it refers. As What‟s the matter? Are you calling me?
The Falling-Rising Tone:
This tone is sometimes referred to as the dive. It consists of a fall from high to low and then a rise to the
middle of the voice. It can be used either on one syllable of different syllables of a word or sentence. This
tone is often used to indicate wish, warning etc.
As: Don‟t go out in winter. I am waiting. Please be careful
Voice Modulation:
Modulation is when you control or adjust something, like when you lower your voice to a loud whisper in
order to make what you're saying more dramatic and mysterious. The noun modulation has several
meanings, including a change of key in music or of the sound of a person's voice.
Pitch:
Pitch is a perceptual property of sounds that allows their ordering on a frequency-related scale, or more
commonly, pitch is the quality that makes it possible to judge sounds as "higher" and "lower" in the sense
associated with musical melodies.
Rhythm:
Rhythm generally means a "movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements,
or of opposite or different conditions.

Vowel and Consonant Sounds:

There are 44 phonemes in English language. There are 24 consonant sounds and 20 vowel sounds i.e. (12
Pure vowel sounds and 8 Diphthongs).

Vowel sounds allow the air to flow freely, causing the chin to drop noticeably, whilst consonant sounds
are produced by restricting the air flow. Vowel sounds allow the air to flow freely, causing the chin to
drop noticeably, whilst consonant sounds are produced by restricting the air flow.
Vowel sounds are usually (in the UK Education System) split into two main categories based on sound
quality:
• „Short‟ vowel sounds, due to the short duration of the sound being made. The sound cannot be held onto
without becoming distorted.
•„Long‟ vowel sounds, due to the length of their pronunciation. These can often be held without distorting
their sound.
The letters of the alphabet that we normally associate as being the vowel letters are: a, e, i, o and u. The
letter „y‟ is sometimes referred to as an honorary vowel as it is used to replace one of the other vowel
letters in words such as: fly or my.
All words in the English language have at least one vowel sound in them so the written version must have
at least one vowel letter in it.
Consonant sounds are made (produced) when the air flow is being restricted in some way, for example,
changes in tongue position resulting in the mouth not opening as wide. This means that the jaw doesn‟t
drop noticeably, which is different to vowel sounds.
The letters of the alphabet that usually represent the consonant sounds are: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q,
r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z.