Prosody: In fields such as speech pathology and neuroscience (as opposed to how the term is used in literary studies) the study of the melody, stress, pitch, and intonation of speech. Prosodic deficits can be manifested by speakers (such as children with autism who may speak in flat, uninflected tones or in rapid-fire styles that are difficult for others to follow).
Prosodic deficits can also afflict those on the receiving end of what is said to them. People with schizophrenia or those who have experienced a severe closed head injury or who have had a stroke sometimes have difficulty gauging the emotional states of the persons addressing them. This can cause great frustration for everyone involved.
Let’s thank those who spend each day
Helping others get their say
And ensuring messages we have sent
Are received as what we meant
