What does "intonation" describe in oral recitation?

Intonation describes the variation in pitch during oral recitation, which directly impacts how the message is perceived by the audience. It refers specifically to the rising and falling of the voice as one speaks. Proper intonation can convey emotions, indicate questions versus statements, and emphasize specific words or phrases, therefore enhancing the meaning of the text being recited.

While emphasis on certain words, as mentioned in the chosen answer, is related to intonation, it does not encompass the entire scope of what intonation represents. Emphasis involves highlighting particular words to give them more significance within the context, but intonation itself is broader, encompassing overall pitch variation throughout the recitation.

The speed of speech refers to how fast or slow someone speaks, which influences clarity and understanding but does not directly correlate with pitch. Volume addresses how loudly or softly someone speaks, which affects the performance's audibility but does not involve pitch variations. Understanding intonation is essential for effective communication, as it plays a critical role in conveying meaning beyond just the spoken words.