Everyday Dialogues: at the doctor 4

 
  English intonation and rhythm. I'm sure you've been wondering "Why people don't understand me! I say all the right words, I put them in the right order in the right form." This is all because of the English intonation and rhythm. You have to sound like them. Let me show how they do it.

Ready? Here you are. I marked all pauses and the stressed words, showed the intonation going up and down. Let’s look closer.

- Is 10.30 going to be good for you?
We put pauses after “30” and “good”. “10” is stressed, “30” – intonation goes down.  “Going to be” are linked. They are pronounced together, with lowered tone and a bit quicker than the rest of the sentence. “Good” is stressed, intonation goes up. “You” is stressed, intonation goes up.

- Yes, that’s fine.
 “Yes” is stressed, intonation goes down. “Fine” is stressed, intonation goes down.

- Please bring your insurance card and your photo ID for your next appointment.
Pause is after “please”, ‘card”, and “ID”. “Insurance” is stressed, “card” - intonation goes up. “Photo” is stressed, “ID” – intonation goes up. “Next” is stressed, “appointment” – intonation goes down.

- I will. Thank you.
Pause is after “will”. “Will” is stressed, intonation goes down. “Thank” is stressed, intonation goes down.

If you are interested in learning more about English intonation and Rhythm, you can download free English Intonation and rhythm checklist.