How to Stress a Syllable :: The Shape of Stress

The video tutorial explains the concept of stressed syllables, emphasizing that stress involves a gliding pitch rather than abrupt changes. It highlights how this affects natural and American-sounding speech, even in single-syllable words. Examples like 'hello' and 'yes' demonstrate the importance of pitch variation. The tutorial encourages practicing speech with pitch gliding to maintain naturalness, stressing that how pitch changes is crucial.

What is the key characteristic of a stressed syllable according to the first section?

• A higher pitch only

• A gliding pitch from one to another

• A lower pitch only

• A flat pitch

How does the word 'yes' demonstrate the concept of pitch change?

• By maintaining a flat pitch

• By gliding from a lower to a higher pitch

• By having no pitch change

• By abruptly changing pitch

What is the difference between 'hello' with a gliding pitch and 'hello' with a flat pitch?

• The flat pitch is more expressive

• The gliding pitch is abrupt

• The flat pitch is more natural

• The gliding pitch slides smoothly

Why is it important to practice speaking with gliding pitch changes?

• To increase speaking speed

• To reduce the need for practice

• To maintain the character of natural speech

• To make speech sound more robotic

What should you focus on when speeding up your speech with gliding pitch changes?

• Maintaining the gliding character

• Reducing the pitch range

• Switching back to a flat pitch

• Increasing the volume