Stressing the AND…why?

• “We have two ways to meet: virtual AND in-person.”

• “Hospitals function best when they serve the person AND the community.”

• “I like bananas AND apples.”

What happens when we stress the AND? The meaningful words on either side are tossed away, forgotten. And for what? A conjunction.

This is a pattern I often hear in my clients when giving a talk or presentation. Interestingly, I do not hear this vocal pattern in conversation or daily speech. I would love for the stress to be on the significant AND interesting words.

This week:

• Notice when we are stressing neutral (and, but, so, like, in*) words in our speech.

• Notice if this is more likely to happen when we are delivering a prepared presentation or when we are engaged in daily conversation.

• Play with stressing the words with content instead.

This is a great habit to break.

*There’s a famous out-take from Orson Welles recording an ad for peas (start at minute 1). The director asks him to put the emphasis on the word, ‘in’ in the phrase, “IN July.” Welles refuses. Here are the printable words he uses to describe such a choice: stupid, idiotic, impossible, meaningless.

I’m not so tough on my clients, but the point he makes is pretty great!