American English Intonation: Learning to Pause

When we write, we use punctuation to separate ideas.  When we speak, we need to use pauses between phrases to separate thought groups.  If we run too many words together, it can be difficult for the listener to get the message.  If we pause in the middle of a thought group, it can also confuse the listener.  Adding or leaving out a pause incorrectly can even change the meaning of the sentence.  Here are a few examples of how incorrect phrasing can cause problems.

You can listen to the recorded samples below.

Correct:  Let's eat// honey!
Incorrect:  Let's eat honey!

Correct:  I find inspiration in cooking// my family// and my dog.
Incorrect:  I find inspiration// in cooking my family// and my dog.

Correct:  Thank you for this opportunity.  I really value your input.  Can you suggest// anything else// I can do to prepare?
Incorrect:  Thank you for// this opportunity I really value//  your input can// you suggest anything// else I can// do to prepare?