• Verbal Emphasis – Additional stress is placed on
words/syllables when we speak, causing the meaning of
the sentence to change.
• “Mrs. Ramirez, did you and your children travel with your
husband to the work site?”
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Trainer’s Notes
Read the third communication barrier and its definition from the screen.
Click to display the question.
Tell participants you are going to read the question several times, emphasizing one of the following words with each reading: you, children, your (before husband).
Once you have read the question several times, click to show the next discussion point.
Ask participants to read the question aloud without emphasizing any of the words so they can have a better understanding of the practice.
Talking Points
Emphasizing the wrong word can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
What were some of your thoughts as I read the question with an emphasis on a different word each time?
Listen for the following responses:
By emphasizing particular words, it sounds as if you are questioning that the parent is telling you the truth.
By emphasizing particular words, the phrase can sound insulting, for example, “your” husband sounds like you don’t think it’s really her husband.
