Do we tend to speak rhythmically when we want to emphasize something?

Asked by LostInParadise (32183

) November 9th, 2019

If someone declares This is impossible, does it tend to be said in iambic pentameter (pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables)? What about He who laughs last laughs best. What about the Gettysburg address?

If you say, What goes up must come down, does your voice rise slightly in pitch for the first three syllables and fall for the second three?

John Kennedy famously said, Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. It is a noble sentiment, but does not lend itself to any rhythm. It might be repeated more often if it did. Does Trump’s speech pattern sound like something from Dr Seuss.

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I will answer your 5th question the one about Trump and would put his speech speaking patterning pretty firmly in the Iambic camp. I loathe his speeches for this reason. He speaks slowly with words carefully emphasized and spoken slowly. He does this on purpose and very effectively. Just watch him speak in non news situations and he speaks quickly and concisely. He would lose a sizeable portion of his audience if he spoke this way, people would simply tune out. I may be giving Trump more credit than is due as it is the speech writer that composes this rhythmic pattern. Obama was expert at this too. Listen to him speak and it is as if he speaks with the aid of a mentronome 1–2 3–4, 1,2,3,4. When he pauses, his pauses are perfectly in time with his speaking. Many very effective orators will employ these strategies.

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