Occasionally her report cards would mention that she was working on prosody as part of a poetry class. She went to a performing arts magnet school, where she majored in creative writing. The first time I ever heard the word prosody was when Jess was in high school. More people than I can count (sarcastically): “Don’t sound too excited about it.” Who Needs Prosody? Not Me The whole floor/house/airport/neighborhood doesn’t need to hear your story.” You talk so fast, I could never take reliable notes.” Phone interviewer, mid-conversation: “I’m glad I’m recording this. The Scientist, after sharing something meaningful: “Do you have any feelings about what I just said?”
Random stranger, after a 5-minute phone conversation: “You don’t seem like a very nice person.” Dog training instructor: “Get excited! Look happier! Make your voice happy! You have to sound HAPPEEEEE! If you don’t sound HAAPPPPEEEEE!!! your dog won’t know that she’s doing it right.”