Posted: January 27th, 2017

How does the meaning, the impact, the message of this sentence change – just by placing emphasis on a different word?

Let’s try a quick exercise on intonation and emphasis. I want you to look into the mirror and say the following sentence three times, but each time emphasizing a different word.

“I have never seen anything like that before in my life.”

• The first time you say it, emphasize ‘never’.
• Then, emphasize ‘anything.’
• Then, emphasize ‘life.’

How does the meaning, the impact, the message of this sentence change – just by placing emphasis on a different word?

What does each sentence mean, based on where the stress is placed?