Phrasing

AIM:  To explore and practise the effective use of phrasing in speech.

INTRODUCTION:  Using appropriate phrasing to separate thought groups makes it easier for both the speaker and the listener. This activity will help you identify thought groups and use phrasing effectively in your own speech.

INSTRUCTIONS:  Listen to this doctor addressing a patient. What do you notice about how the doctor speaks?

Play

Now listen to how the doctor in the video said this to the patient. What differences do you notice?

Play

Which one is easier to follow? Why?

The doctor in this consultation uses pauses very effectively. He groups his thoughts into ‘chunks’ and separates them by pausing. This gives the patient a chance to process each part separately, instead of being bombarded with too much information at once.

Listen to another doctor saying this to a patient.

Play

Which one is easier to follow? Why?

Pausing in the appropriate places makes your speech easier for the listener to follow.  It helps the speaker group thoughts together, and helps the listener process these thought groups. Some non-native speakers of English struggle with chunking their thoughts into groups. The most common problems are

  • not pausing between thought groups Play

  • or pausing in the wrong place within a thought group Play

 

 

FOLLOW-UP: It is helpful to listen to native speakers who speak with well-placed pauses. Clear phrasing is especially important when you’re doing most of the talking, such as presenting a case or summarising a diagnosis.