Flow of speech – natural flow of speech

Lesson 15
In natural speech, it's important not to emphasize or stress too many
words in a phrase or sentence. As a general rule, we tend to pick out
the words which convey the meaning, and lean on them, giving them a
little more vocal energy. The rest of the words, we “throw away”, an
expression used by actors. This often means neutralizing vowels,
increasing the pace and diminishing the volume.
Task: Read the following sentences and dialogues out loud several
times, giving the highlighted in important words a little extra length and
vocal power. Always make sure the “throw-away” words flow smoothly
towards the stressed words. Stressed words are underlined.

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Sentences
1. You know because I've already told you that I didn't want to go.
2. The cat who was called “Ginger” was the terror of the
neighborhood.
3. If it hadn't been for the rain, the wedding would’ve been perfect.
4. From my point of view, the whole affair should’ve been better
managed.
5. The sport was at its height, the sliding was at its quickest, the
laughter was at its loudest , when a sharp smart crack was heard
(Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens).

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Conversation 1
He: Good morning, Sarah. Take a seat. Now I’ve read your essay on
Shakespeare's comedies. I found it very amusing.
She: Thank you, sir. Actually, it wasn't meant to be funny.
He: In that case, perhaps, you have an undiscovered gift that you could
develop.
She: It's very kind of you to say that, sir. So you mean that I could
become a successful TV comedy writer?
He: well, I'm thinking more in terms of children's comics.

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Conversation 2
He: Good afternoon. I've just got a few hours to spend in London. I wonder if you could
tell me what to see!
She: Well, it depends what your interests are . We have museums, art galleries, theaters,
concert halls.
He: Well, it's just general sighseeing, really.
She: In that case I suggest you take a stroll from here to Piccadilly Circus, and from there
to Leicester square, taking in the National Gallery on your way. There's always Covent
Garden, of course, with the marvelous market and restaurants.
He: I see.
She: From there just hop on a bus to Baker Street, and call in at Madame Tussaud’s,
finishing up at Regent’s Park for a trip round the London Zoo.
He: Oh dear, that all sounds so exhausting. I think I’ll just go and have a cup of tea instead.
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