What aspect of speech involves adjusting pitch and tone to convey meaning?

The adjustment of pitch and tone in speech to convey meaning is referred to as intonation. Intonation involves the rise and fall of the voice during speech, which can significantly affect the interpretation of the message being delivered. For instance, a rising pitch at the end of a statement might indicate a question, while a steady pitch might signal certainty. This modulation plays a vital role in expressing emotions, attitudes, and the nuanced meanings behind words.

Other terms related to speech serve different functions. Emphasis refers to highlighting specific words or phrases to give them greater importance, which can alter the focus but does not inherently involve pitch. Fluency pertains to the smoothness and flow of speech, impacting how well a message is understood but not directly relating to pitch or tone adjustments. Volume refers to the loudness or softness of speech but does not influence the pitch or the tonal quality in the same way intonation does. Understanding intonation is crucial for effective communication, as it allows speakers to convey subtleties that might otherwise be lost.