COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

[SECTION - A] LISTENING SKILLS

Introduction to Communication

Communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, and feelings between individuals
or groups. It includes both verbal and non-verbal forms like speaking, writing, gestures, and
facial expressions. A complete communication process involves a sender, message, medium,
receiver, and feedback. For communication to be successful, both the sender and the receiver
must participate actively. Listening is one of the most essential skills in this process. Without
listening, communication is incomplete and one-sided.

What is Listening?

Listening is not the same as hearing. It is the active process of paying attention, interpreting,
and understanding the sounds or words being said by someone. It requires mental engagement
and emotional presence. A listener must focus not only on words but also on tone, body
language, and emotions. Good listening allows us to respond appropriately and develop better
connections with others.

The Listening Process

The listening process consists of five key stages:

1.​ Receiving: This is the physical act of hearing the message through our ears.
2.​ Understanding: We try to make sense of the words and language used.
3.​ Evaluating: We judge the message—whether it is true, useful, or relevant.
4.​ Responding: We provide feedback to the speaker, showing we were listening.
5.​ Remembering: We store the message in memory for future use or reference.

This process ensures that listening is not passive but an active part of communication.

Hearing and Listening

Many people mistake hearing for listening, but they are different:
•Hearing is the passive ability to perceive sound. It happens naturally and does not require
effort. For example, hearing a fan in the background.
•Listening is active. It involves focus and concentration to truly understand the speaker's
message.
Hence, all listeners hear, but not all who hear are truly listening.
Types of Listening

Different situations require different types of listening:

1.Active Listening – Focused, engaged, and responsive listening. Used in conversations,
meetings, etc.
2.Passive Listening – Listening without reacting or engaging. Often seen in a classroom where
students are not focused.
3.Empathetic Listening – Understanding the speaker’s emotions and showing care. Often used
with friends or family in emotional situations.
4.​ Critical Listening – Evaluating the message for logic, truth, or reasoning. Common in
debates or news analysis.
5.​ Appreciative Listening – Listening for enjoyment. Like enjoying a song or a motivational
speech.
Understanding which type to use helps improve communication quality.
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Listening with Purpose

Purposeful listening means listening with a goal in mind. We might listen:
•​ To gain knowledge (like in a classroom),
•​ To show support (like with a friend in need),
•​ To make decisions (in a meeting),
•​ Or to enjoy something (like a poem or song).

When we listen with a purpose, we concentrate more, avoid distractions, and understand the
message better.
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Barriers to Listening

Several factors can block or reduce the effectiveness of listening. These are called listening
barriers:
1.​ Physical Barriers: Noise, distance, or hearing problems.
2.​ Psychological Barriers: Stress, anxiety, or daydreaming.
3.​ Language Barriers: Difficult vocabulary or unfamiliar accents.
4.​ Cultural Barriers: Different values, gestures, or traditions.
5.​ Emotional Barriers: Bias, anger, or personal dislikes.
To become a good listener, we must learn to identify and overcome these barriers.
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Importance of Listening

Listening is important in every field and phase of life. It helps to:

•​ Gain accurate information.
•​ Build trust in relationships.
•​ Understand instructions and perform tasks correctly.
•​ Avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
•​ Learn effectively and develop personally.
In the professional world, good listening improves leadership, teamwork, and productivity. In
personal life, it strengthens emotional bonds and creates mutual respect.
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Effective Listening Skills

Good listeners practice certain habits or skills, such as:
•​ Maintaining eye contact – Shows interest and respect.
•​ Avoiding interruptions – Letting the speaker finish.
•​ Nodding and smiling – Positive body language encourages the speaker.
•​ Asking questions – Clarifies doubts and shows understanding.
•​ Paraphrasing – Restating the speaker’s message in your own words shows true
listening.

These habits show that the listener is involved and values the conversation.
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Effective Listening Strategies

Some practical strategies for better listening include:

1.​ Be Prepared – Keep distractions away and be mentally ready.

2.​ Stay Focused – Avoid multitasking when someone is talking.
3.​ Practice Patience – Do not jump to conclusions too quickly.
4.​ Control Emotions – Stay calm even if you disagree with the speaker.
5.​ Take Notes – Especially useful during lectures or meetings.

With these strategies, listening becomes a skill that leads to better understanding and fewer
mistakes.
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Rules of Good Listening

There are some golden rules of good listening:

•​ Listen to understand, not just to reply.
•​ Keep an open mind and avoid making assumptions.
•​ Pay attention to tone and body language, not just words.
•​ Avoid interrupting or finishing the speaker’s sentence.
•​ Show genuine interest in what the speaker is saying.

Following these rules helps in becoming a respectful and responsible communicator.

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Importance of Feedback Skills

Feedback is the listener’s response to the speaker. It completes the communication cycle.
Without feedback, the speaker does not know if their message was received and understood
correctly. Good feedback: •​ Encourages better performance. •​ Corrects mistakes or
misunderstandings. •​ Helps in learning and growth. •​ Builds confidence and cooperation.
Both giving and receiving feedback are essential in communication.
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Characteristics of Good Feedback

Effective feedback should have the following features:

1.​ Clear and Simple – Easy to understand.
2.​ Relevant – Connected to the topic or task.
3.​ Balanced – Includes both strengths and suggestions.
4.​ Respectful – Given politely, not harshly.
5.​ Actionable – Helps the person improve or change. Good feedback improves
communication and builds a positive relationship.
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Steps for Improving Feedback Skills

To give or receive better feedback, one should:

•​ Listen First – Understand the full message.
• Be Honest but Kind – Avoid being rude or too critical.
•​ Use "I" Statements – Speak from your own perspective (e.g., "I feel...", "I noticed..."). •​
Encourage Questions – Allow the other person to ask or explain.
•​ Follow Up – Check if the feedback was helpful or clear.

These steps make feedback a useful tool rather than a hurtful comment.
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Conclusion
Listening is not just a natural habit—it is a skill that needs attention and development. It plays a
vital role in making communication successful. From understanding instructions in the
classroom to solving problems in the workplace, listening and feedback are necessary
everywhere. By learning effective listening strategies and feedback techniques, individuals can
improve their personal, academic, and professional lives. In the modern world, where
communication is the key to success, a good listener becomes a great communicator.

(section -B) Attending Telephone Calls

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Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, telephones play a major role in both personal and
professional communication. Whether it’s a landline, mobile, or even a business call via internet
apps, telephone communication is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to connect with
others. In offices, customer service centers, and organizations, how telephone calls are
answered or made leaves a strong impression on the caller. Therefore, attending telephone
calls is a vital communication skill that requires politeness, clarity, and professionalism.
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Meaning of Telephone Communication Telephone communication refers to the exchange of

messages or information over a telephone line. It involves verbal interaction between two
people who are not physically present but are connected through voice. It is one of the most
direct and immediate forms of oral communication. Unlike written communication, telephone
communication lacks facial expressions or body language, so tone of voice and clarity of speech
become very important. ________________________________________

Importance of Telephone Communication Telephone communication is extremely important

in many fields for the following reasons: •​ Quick and direct: It allows instant sharing of
information without delays. •​ Saves time and effort: No need to travel or wait for a written reply.
•​ Useful in emergencies: Helps in quick decision-making or giving urgent messages. •​
Strengthens business relations: Professional telephone handling builds a positive image of a
company. •​ Personal connection: More personal than emails or messages, especially for
sensitive or emotional topics. In customer care or business environments, effective telephone
communication reflects the professionalism of the individual or organization.
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Guidelines for Attending Telephone Calls Attending telephone calls with proper manners
and etiquette is very important, especially in professional settings. The following guidelines
should be followed: 1.​Answer Promptly – Always try to pick up the call within 2–3 rings. 2.​
Greet Politely – Start with a warm and professional greeting like “Good morning, this is Jaspreet
from XYZ Company.” 3.​ Speak Clearly – Use a pleasant tone and speak slowly and clearly.
4.​ Listen Actively – Pay attention to the caller without interrupting. 5.​ Be Courteous – Use
polite words like “please,” “thank you,” and “may I help you.” 6.​ Take Accurate Messages – If
the concerned person is not available, note the caller’s name, number, and message carefully.
7.​ Transfer Calls Properly – If needed, transfer the call to the right person without delay and
inform the caller. 8.​ Close Politely – End the call with words like “Thank you for calling. Have a
nice day!” These habits help create a professional and respectful image.
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Guidelines for Making Telephone Calls Just like attending calls, making telephone calls also
requires a thoughtful and organized approach. Here are some guidelines: 1.​ Plan Before
You Call – Be clear about what you want to say or ask. 2.​ Choose the Right Time – Call during
appropriate hours, especially in formal settings. 3.​ Identify Yourself – Start by telling your name
and purpose of the call. 4.​ Be Brief and Clear – Keep the conversation to the point, especially
if the person is busy. 5.​ Take Notes – If the call is important, write down important points or
replies. 6.​ Confirm Information – Repeat any important details like names, dates, or phone
numbers. 7.​ Maintain Politeness – Even if the other person is rude, stay calm and respectful.
8.​ End with Courtesy – Say “Thank you for your time” or “It was nice talking to you.” By
following these guidelines, telephone communication becomes more effective and professional.
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Problems in Telephone Communication Though telephone communication is fast and helpful,

it can have some problems: 1.​ Lack of Non-verbal Cues – The listener cannot see facial
expressions or gestures. 2.​ Poor Network or Sound Quality – Can lead to misunderstanding or
frustration. 3.​ Distractions and Background Noise – Can disturb the conversation. 4.​
Language and Accent Issues – May make it hard to understand the message. 5.​
Miscommunication – Without careful listening, messages may be taken wrongly. 6.​ No
Written Record – Unless noted down, there is no permanent proof of the conversation. These
issues highlight the need for attentiveness and clear communication while using the telephone.
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Conclusion In conclusion, telephone communication is an essential part of everyday life and

professional environments. Whether attending or making calls, the way we handle them reflects
our personality, behavior, and level of professionalism. By following the right etiquette and
guidelines, we can make telephone interactions smooth, respectful, and effective. In a world
where first impressions matter, a well-handled telephone call can leave a lasting positive impact
on the listener. (section – c) Note Taking and Note Making
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Introduction In the field of education, learning, and communication, writing plays a vital role
in understanding and remembering information. Among the most effective writing-related skills
are note taking and note making. These two are often used by students, professionals, and
researchers to record, organize, and recall important information from lectures, books,
meetings, or presentations. When practiced properly, they improve comprehension, memory,
and academic performance.
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Meaning of Note Taking Note taking is the process of writing down key points from spoken or
written sources while listening or reading. It involves capturing the main ideas and essential
facts during lectures, meetings, interviews, or while watching a video. The goal is to quickly
record information in a brief and structured way so that it can be reviewed later. It helps in active
listening and better understanding.
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Importance of Note Taking Note taking is an important skill for many reasons: 1.​
Improves Focus – Writing notes keeps the mind alert and engaged. 2.​ Aids Memory – Helps
retain information for longer by converting speech into written form. 3.​ Supports Revision –
Notes become a ready reference during exams or projects. 4.​ Encourages Active Listening
– Instead of passively hearing, the student listens attentively to extract key ideas. 5.​
Organizes Thoughts – Notes help summarize long lectures into meaningful points. 6.​
Reduces Stress – Well-prepared notes reduce confusion before exams.
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Techniques of Note Taking There are several useful techniques for taking effective notes: 1.​
The Outline Method – Uses headings and bullet points in a structured format. o​ Example: ​
Main Topic ​ Sub-topic ​ Detail 2.​ The Cornell Method – Divides the page into three
sections: notes, cues, and summary. 3.​ Mapping Method – Uses diagrams or flowcharts to
show relationships between ideas. 4.​Charting Method – Notes are organized in a table or chart
for comparison. 5.​ Sentence Method – Writing every new idea as a separate sentence.
Choosing the right method depends on personal preference and the type of content.
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The Cultivation of the Skill of Note Taking Note taking is not just a habit; it is a skill that can
be improved with regular practice. Here’s how one can cultivate it: •​ Stay Prepared –
Always carry a notebook or digital device. •​ Listen for Keywords – Focus on main ideas rather
than full sentences. •​ Use Abbreviations and Symbols – Saves time and space. •​Review and
Revise – Rewriting and organizing notes after class strengthens memory. •​ Practice
Regularly – Like any other skill, consistent practice improves efficiency and quality. With time,
students learn how to separate important information from irrelevant details.
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What is Note Making? Note making is the process of organizing and rewriting the collected
notes in a clear, concise, and systematic format after the class, lecture, or reading is over.
Unlike note taking, which is often done quickly and in short form, note making is more detailed
and structured. It is usually done for better understanding, summarization, and revision. It may
also include headings, subheadings, bullet points, diagrams, and keywords.
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Importance of Note Making Note making helps in: 1.​ Deep Understanding – Reviewing
and rewriting notes helps in better comprehension. 2.​ Better Organization – Content
becomes neat and easy to revise. 3.​Critical Thinking – Involves analyzing what’s important and
organizing it logically. 4.​ Time-saving – Reduces the need to go through entire books
again. 5.​ Improved Academic Performance – Well-made notes support good answers in
exams.

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Note Making vs Note Taking
Aspect Note Taking Note Making

Timing Done while listening or reading Done after the session

Purpose To record key points quickly To revise, understand, and

summarize

Format Often rough, unstructured Neat, structured with

headings/subpoints

Skills Listening, quick writing Analytical, summarizing, organizing

Needed

Usage Used during lectures, meetings, Used while studying or preparing

etc. answers
. ________________________________________

Reduction Devices

Reduction devices are tools or techniques used to shorten the content while preserving the
meaning. These help in writing faster and saving space. Some common reduction devices are:
1.​ Abbreviations – e.g., govt. for government, edu. for education 2.​ Symbols – e.g., &
(and), @ (at), → (leads to), ≠ (not equal to) 3.​ Acronyms – e.g., UNESCO, NASA 4.​
Short Forms – e.g., b/w (between), diff. (difference), info. (information) 5.​ Bullet Points and
Headings – To reduce long paragraphs into lists Reduction devices make notes quicker to write
and easier to revise later.

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Conclusion Note taking and note making are essential learning skills that help students
absorb, retain, and organize information. Note taking helps capture information in real time,
while note making helps restructure and deepen understanding. By mastering these skills,
students can improve their academic success, concentration, and efficiency. In today’s
competitive world, those who take good notes, make smart summaries, and revise properly are
always better prepared and more confident.
 (Section - c)

Introduction

Speaking is one of the most natural and powerful forms of communication. It allows us to
express our thoughts, opinions, feelings, and ideas clearly. Speaking is not just about using
words but also about how we say them—tone, body language, and timing matter. In both
professional and social settings, effective speaking and conversation skills help us become
better communicators and confident individuals.

Objectives of Speaking

The objectives of speaking go beyond just talking. Key goals include:

1.​ To express emotions, needs, and ideas clearly​

2.​ To communicate information or knowledge​

3.​ To engage in social interaction​

4.​ To persuade or influence others​

5.​ To develop self-confidence and leadership​

6.​ To resolve conflicts and reach agreements​

7.​ To participate in public speaking or group discussions​

Speaking is essential for building strong relationships, performing well in academics or jobs, and
creating a good personal image.
Principles of Effective Speaking

To become an effective speaker, certain basic principles must be followed:

1.​ Know your topic – Be well-prepared and informed.​

2.​ Organize your thoughts – Use a clear beginning, middle, and end.​

3.​ Speak with clarity and proper pace – Neither too fast nor too slow.​

4.​ Use proper grammar and vocabulary – Helps in accurate expression.​

5.​ Be confident but humble – Confidence without arrogance attracts attention.​

6.​ Maintain eye contact – Shows sincerity and involvement.​

7.​ Use facial expressions and gestures – Adds natural emotion.​

8.​ Practice regularly – Helps in reducing fear and building fluency.​

These principles help in delivering your message clearly and professionally.

Components of a Meaningful and Easy Conversation

A good conversation requires both speaking and listening. It involves:

1.​ Two-way exchange – Not just talking, but responding and listening.​

2.​ Turn-taking – Giving others a chance to speak.​

3.​ Active listening – Responding based on what was said.​

4.​ Using everyday language – Easy and understandable words.​

5.​ Emotional connection – Using empathy and warmth.​

6.​ Asking questions – Keeps the conversation flowing.​

7.​ Being respectful – Avoiding interruptions, sarcasm, or judgment.​

Example:​
A conversation about a college event:​
A: "Did you attend the photography session yesterday?"​
B: "Yes! It was really insightful. I liked the lighting techniques. What about you?"

Understanding the Cue and Making Appropriate Response

Good conversations depend on how well we read cues and respond. A "cue" is any
signal—verbal or non-verbal—that tells us it's our turn to speak or how to respond.

●​ Verbal cues: Questions, opinions, tone change.​

●​ Non-verbal cues: Facial expressions, pauses, eye movements.​

Examples:

●​ Cue: "I’m not feeling great today."​

Response: "Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Want to talk about it?"​

Being sensitive to cues shows that you're attentive, thoughtful, and respectful.

Body Language

Body language is the silent language that supports our words. Effective body language
includes:

●​ Good posture – Shows attentiveness and confidence.​

●​ Gestures – Support and clarify what is being said.​

●​ Eye contact – Builds trust and holds attention.​

●​ Facial expressions – Show emotions like interest, joy, or concern.​

●​ Nods and smiles – Encourage the speaker and show agreement.​

Avoid crossed arms, slouching, or fidgeting, as they send negative signals.

Forms of Polite Speech

Politeness is essential in every conversation. It makes speech pleasant, respectful, and

considerate.

Common forms of polite speech:

●​ Using “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me”, “sorry”​

●​ Starting with soft openers:​

→ “Would you mind if…”​
→ “I was wondering if…”​

●​ Giving advice gently:​

→ “You might consider…” instead of “You should…”​

Polite speech creates a friendly and cooperative environment and helps avoid conflict.

(New Addition) Types of Speaking Situations

1.​ Formal Speaking – Public speeches, presentations, interviews. Requires preparation

and proper language.​

2.​ Informal Speaking – Casual talks with friends or family. More relaxed tone.​

3.​ Interactive Speaking – Involves dialogue, discussion, or debate.​

4.​ Public Speaking – One person addresses a large audience.​

5.​ Extempore Speaking – Speaking without preparation.​

Knowing the type of speaking situation helps in choosing the right tone and vocabulary.

(New Addition) Tips to Improve Speaking and Conversation Skills

1.​ Read aloud – Builds fluency and pronunciation.​

2.​ Watch English shows or news – Improves listening and vocabulary.​

 3.​ Practice daily conversations – Builds confidence.​

4.​ Join speaking clubs or groups – Helps in practical improvement.​

5.​ Record and listen to yourself – Helps in self-correction.​

6.​ Use a mirror to practice – Improves body language.​

Improving speaking is a gradual process that requires regular effort and practice.

(New Addition) Barriers to Effective Speaking

1.​ Fear of speaking or anxiety​

2.​ Limited vocabulary​

3.​ Poor grammar​

4.​ Lack of fluency​

5.​ Interruptions​

6.​ Wrong tone or attitude​

Overcoming these barriers boosts self-confidence and speaking quality.

Conclusion

Speaking and conversation skills are essential for personal development, career success,
and social life. Whether it's answering in class, attending interviews, leading a meeting, or
making friends—these skills help us communicate better. By mastering body language, cue
recognition, polite speech, and clarity, we can speak not just to be heard, but to be understood
and respected. With regular practice, confidence, and awareness, anyone can become an
effective speaker and a good conversationalist.
 (section – d)​

The Sounds of English

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Language Language is a system of communication used by humans to express thoughts,

ideas, emotions, and information. It consists of spoken, written, and signed forms. One of the
key features of any language is sound — without sound, spoken language cannot exist. The
English language, like all others, is made up of different sounds that form the basis of speech
and pronunciation.

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Phonetics Phonetics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the study of the sounds of
human speech. It involves understanding how speech sounds are produced (articulatory
phonetics), transmitted (acoustic phonetics), and heard (auditory phonetics). In simple terms,
phonetics helps us learn how to pronounce words correctly and understand spoken English
more effectively. There are three main branches of phonetics: 1.​ Articulatory Phonetics – How
speech sounds are made using vocal organs. 2.​ Acoustic Phonetics – The physical sound
waves produced in speech. 3.​ Auditory Phonetics – How our ears and brain perceive
speech sounds.

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Phonetic Transcription Phonetic transcription is a method of writing down the exact

pronunciation of words using special symbols. These symbols are based on how a word
sounds, not how it is spelled. Phonetic transcription is helpful because English spelling can
often be confusing. For example, the word "knight" is pronounced /naɪt/, which is very different
from its spelling.

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International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a system
of symbols used around the world to represent speech sounds. Each symbol in the IPA stands
for one sound, which makes it easier to learn accurate pronunciation regardless of the spelling.
It is widely used in dictionaries, language learning, and linguistics.

Some examples: •​ /p/ as in pen •​ /θ/ as in think •​ /ʃ/ as in she •​ /æ/ as

in cat IPA is very helpful in understanding how a word is spoken, especially for non-native
speakers. ________________________________________
Uses of Phonetic Transcription Phonetic transcription is useful in many ways: 1.​
Learning Pronunciation – Helps learners pronounce words correctly. 2.​ Dictionaries – Shows
the pronunciation of a word using IPA. 3.​ Language Teaching – Teachers use it to explain
sound patterns. 4.​ Speech Therapy – Used to diagnose and correct speech disorders. 5.​
Accent Training – Helps in learning native-like pronunciation. 6.​ Recording Dialects – Useful
for studying different varieties of a language.

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Consonant Sounds Consonant sounds are made when the airflow is blocked in some way by
the tongue, teeth, lips, or throat. There are 24 consonant sounds in English. They are grouped
based on how they are produced: •​ Plosive: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/ (air is stopped and released)
•​ Fricative: /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/ (air passes with friction) •​ Affricate: /ʧ/, /ʤ/ (a
mix of plosive and fricative) •​ Approximant: /r/, /j/, /w/ •​ Lateral: /l/ •​ Nasal: /m/, /n/, /ŋ/
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Nasal and Other Consonants Nasal consonants are produced when the air flows through the
nose instead of the mouth. The three nasal consonants in English are: •​ /m/ as in man •​
/n/ as in net •​ /ŋ/ as in sing These sounds are produced by closing the mouth passage and
allowing air to escape through the nose. Other consonants such as approximants (/r/, /w/, /j/)
and laterals (/l/) are produced without complete closure of the vocal tract, allowing air to flow
around or along the tongue.

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Vowel Sounds

Vowel sounds are produced without any obstruction to the airflow. The position of the tongue
and shape of the lips determine the vowel sound. There are 20 vowel sounds in English, divided
into: 1.​12 Pure (Monophthong) vowels – Examples: o​ /i:/ as in see o​ /ʌ/ as in cup o​ /ɔ:/ as
in law 2.​ 8 Diphthongs – These are sounds that combine two vowel sounds in one
syllable: o​ /aɪ/ as in my o​/eɪ/ as in day o​ /əʊ/ as in go Vowels play a key role in
making words sound correct.

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Problematic Spellings
Related to Consonants English spelling does not always match pronunciation, which creates
confusion. Some examples of problematic spellings include: •​ Silent letters: knife (silent ‘k’),
doubt (silent ‘b’) •​ Same letter, different sounds: c in cat (/k/) and ceiling (/s/) •​Different
spellings, same sounds: read and reed, both may be /riːd/ depending on context •​Double letters
not pronounced separately: butter and summer These inconsistencies make phonetic
transcription even more important for learners of English.
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Conclusion

The sounds of English form the foundation of speaking and listening skills. A clear
understanding of phonetics, IPA, and phonetic transcription helps learners pronounce words
accurately. Both consonants and vowels have their own role in forming words and meaning.
Although English spellings can be confusing, the use of phonetic symbols and sound-based
learning makes pronunciation easier. Thus, mastering the sounds of English leads to better
fluency, comprehension, and confidence in communication.
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(2)Stress in English Pronunciation

Prominence
In spoken English, stress refers to giving prominence or importance to certain syllables in a
word or certain words in a sentence. This is done by saying them louder, longer, or at a higher
pitch compared to others. Stress plays a major role in improving pronunciation, clarity, and
understanding. When we stress the right syllables, we sound more fluent and natural.
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Level of Stress

There are different levels of stress in English. Not all syllables or words are stressed equally.
Some get more emphasis than others. Based on loudness, pitch, and length, stress levels are
usually divided into: 1.​ Primary Stress – The main or strongest stress in a word. 2.​
Secondary Stress – A lighter or weaker stress than the primary one. 3.​ Unstressed –
Syllables that are not stressed at all. Understanding these levels helps in correct pronunciation
of long or complex words.
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Word Stress

Word stress refers to stressing a particular syllable in a word. Every multi-syllable word in
English has one syllable that is stressed more than the others. This stressed syllable is called
the accented syllable, and it is marked with a small vertical stroke (ˈ) before it in phonetic
transcription. For example: •​ ‘present (noun) → ˈprez.ənt •​pre’sent (verb) → prɪˈzent The
change in stress can even change the meaning of a word, especially in nouns and verbs.
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Degrees of Stress

There are mainly two degrees of stress in English: 1.​ Primary Stress – The strongest
syllable in a word. It stands out the most. Example: comˈputer, toˈmorrow 2.​ Secondary
Stress – A weaker stress that may occur in longer words with more than two syllables. Example:
ˌrecoˈmmendation (the first syllable has secondary stress; third has primary) The rest of the
syllables are usually unstressed and spoken quickly or lightly.
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Placement of Word Stress

There is no fixed rule for stress placement in English, but some general guidelines help: •​
Nouns and adjectives often have stress on the first syllable: e.g., TAble, HAppy •​ Verbs and
prepositions often have stress on the second syllable: e.g., reLAX, aRRIVE •​ Prefixes and
suffixes are usually not stressed unless they are part of the root: e.g., unHAppy, careLESS
Foreign or borrowed words may follow different stress rules. That’s why pronunciation practice
is essential.

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Primary Stress

Primary stress is the strongest and most noticeable stress in a word. It is essential for clear and
accurate pronunciation. It is always marked in dictionaries using the (ˈ) symbol. Misplacing
primary stress can cause confusion or make the speaker sound unnatural. Example: •​
banana → bəˈnɑː.nə (primary stress on the second syllable)
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Secondary Stress

Secondary stress occurs in longer words and is less prominent than primary stress. It usually
appears when a word has more than three syllables. It supports the rhythm of the word and
helps in smooth pronunciation. Example: •​ recommendation → ˌre.kə.menˈdeɪ.ʃən •​ Here,
re has secondary stress, and deɪ has primary stress.
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Correct Stress Pattern

 Using the correct stress pattern is important for: 1.​ Clear communication – The listener easily
understands the speaker. 2.​ Correct meaning – Stress changes can change word meanings
(e.g., record as a noun vs. verb). 3.​ Natural rhythm – Makes speech flow smoothly and sounds
more native-like. 4.​ Better fluency – Helps in linking and reducing sounds naturally in
sentences. Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or mark the speaker as a non-native
learner. ________________________________________
Words with Stress

Let’s look at examples of words with different stress patterns:

Word Syllables Stress Pattern

TAble 2 syllables Stress on 1st syllable

toMORrow 3 syllables Stress on 2nd

syllable

comPUter 3 syllables Stress on 2nd

syllable

EDucation 4 syllables Stress on 3rd syllable

imPORtant 3 syllables Stress on 2nd

syllable

phoTOgrap 3 syllables Stress on 1st syllable

h

phoTOgrap 4 syllables Stress on 2nd

her syllable

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Conclusion

Stress is a vital part of English pronunciation. It gives rhythm, clarity, and correct meaning to
speech. Understanding different levels and types of stress — like primary, secondary, and
unstressed syllables — helps in learning the correct pronunciation of words. By practicing
correct stress patterns, learners can avoid confusion and speak more fluently and confidently.
Mastering stress makes English sound more natural and easy to understand.
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(3)Intonation
Introduction

Intonation is the rise and fall of voice pitch while speaking. It adds emotion, rhythm, and
meaning to spoken language. While grammar and vocabulary form the structure of English,
intonation brings it to life. Even simple sentences can convey different meanings depending on
how the voice rises or falls. Intonation is therefore a key feature of effective communication.
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Vibration and Pitch

Sounds are produced by vibrations of the vocal cords, and pitch depends on how fast or slow
those vibrations occur. Faster vibrations produce high pitch, while slower ones produce low
pitch. Pitch is like the musical note of speech and becomes meaningful through intonation
patterns. ________________________________________

Role of Pitch in Communication

Pitch helps to: •​ Indicate questions, statements, and commands •​ Express feelings like
surprise, doubt, or irritation •​ Mark important information •​ Keep the listener engaged and make
speech sound natural Without pitch variation, speech becomes flat and robotic.
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Intonation: Definition and Significance Intonation is the variation in pitch across a sentence or
phrase. It shows: •​ Emotions and intentions •​ Grammatical type (question, command,
etc.) •​ Focus and emphasis Different languages use intonation in different ways, but in English,
it is non-tonal but essential for conveying natural speech patterns.
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Tone
Tone refers to the speaker’s emotional attitude toward the content. It works hand-in-hand with
intonation and helps in showing: •​ Anger •​ Joy •​ Sarcasm •​ Formality •​
Politeness Changing the tone can alter the listener's perception of the same sentence.
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Form and Function in Intonation

•​ Form: The shape of pitch movement (e.g., rising, falling, rise-fall). •​Function: What that
pitch movement communicates (e.g., asking, confirming, disagreeing). Example: “Are you
sure?” (rising tone – question) “Yes, I’m sure.” (falling tone – certainty)
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Tone Group / Intonation Unit

A tone group is a stretch of speech that carries one main pitch movement. A sentence can be
made up of one or more tone groups. Each group contains: •​ A nucleus (main stressed
word) •​A tail (words after the nucleus) •​ A head (stressed words before the nucleus) •​
A pre-head (unstressed words before the head) Example: “In the evening | we’ll go for a walk.”
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Division into Tone Groups

We divide long sentences into tone groups to: •​ Avoid confusion •​ Improve clarity •​
Highlight meaning •​ Match natural breathing This makes the speaker easier to follow and the
speech more expressive.

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Types of Intonation Patterns / The Use of Tones

English mainly uses these intonation patterns:

Tone Type Function Example

Falling Tone Statements, commands, certainty

Rising Tone Yes/No questions, surprise, doubt

Fall-Rise Tone Politeness, hesitation, contrast

Rise-Fall Tone Strong feeling, sarcasm,

amazement
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Intonation in Sentence Types

Sentence Type Usual Intonation Pattern

Statements Falling

Yes/No Questions Rising

WH-Questions Falling

Polite Requests Fall-Rise

Commands Falling

Offers/Suggestion Rise-Fall or Fall-Rise

s

Lists Rising until the last item

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Link Between Intonation and Sentence Meaning (New Addition)

One sentence can carry different meanings just by changing the intonation:

●​ “You’re going.” (fact – falling tone)​

●​ “You’re going?” (question – rising tone)​

●​ “You’re going…” (doubt/sarcasm – fall-rise)​

Hence, intonation is not just about voice modulation but also meaning creation.

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Contrastive Stress and Intonation (New Addition)

Sometimes, we stress a particular word to show contrast or correct someone. This is called
contrastive stress and is closely related to intonation.

Example:

●​ “I said I like it.” (not love)​

●​ “I said I like it.” (I really said it)​

This use of stress + intonation creates emphasis and clarity.

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Intonation in Situation-Based Conversations

Here are examples of how intonation varies in different real-life situations:

1.​ Formal Conversation:​

○​ “Good morning, sir.” (falling tone – polite, respectful)​

2.​ Request:​

○​ “Could you help me, please?” (fall-rise tone – polite)​

 3.​ Asking for Information:​

○​ “Where are you from?” (falling tone – WH-question)​

4.​ Uncertainty:​

○​ “I think it’s okay…” (fall-rise tone – hesitant)​

5.​ Showing Surprise:​

○​ “You did what?!” (rise-fall tone – shock)​

Mastering such variation helps in confident, natural conversation.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using flat tone throughout – Makes speech boring.​

1.​ Incorrect rising/falling usage – Confuses listeners.​

2.​ Not dividing sentences into tone groups – Causes misunderstandings.​

3.​ Ignoring emotion/tone – Makes speech sound robotic.​

To avoid these, one should listen to native speakers, practice reading aloud, and record
their own speech.

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Conclusion

Intonation is a powerful tool in spoken English. It goes beyond grammar and vocabulary by
adding emotion, intention, and clarity to speech. By understanding tone, pitch, and sentence
rhythm, learners can improve fluency, naturalness, and listener engagement. Correct use of
intonation ensures that the speaker not only speaks correctly but is also understood and felt by
the listener. Therefore, learning intonation is a vital part of mastering English pronunciation.
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