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When speaking on the phone, what does using inflection mean?

  1. To speak faster

  2. To change the volume

  3. To change the tone or pitch of the voice

  4. To use silence effectively

The correct answer is: To change the tone or pitch of the voice

Using inflection means to change the tone or pitch of the voice when speaking. This technique is important in phone conversations because it helps convey emotions and emphasizes key points, thereby making communication more engaging and effective. A varied tone can keep the listener’s attention, differentiate between statements and questions, and express enthusiasm or concern, enriching the overall interaction. While options like speaking faster, changing the volume, and using silence can also impact communication, they do not specifically refer to the modulation of voice characteristics that inflection addresses. Effective communication, particularly over the phone where visual cues are absent, relies heavily on how the speaker modulates their voice to convey meaning and intention.