What aspect of speech can include rate, rhythm, and stress?

Prosody encompasses the elements of speech that include rate, rhythm, and stress. It involves the melodic and rhythmic aspects of spoken language, which contribute to the emotional and conversational dynamics of communication. Prosody plays a crucial role in conveying meaning beyond the literal words spoken, allowing speakers to express emotions, emphasize particular words or phrases, and create variations in speech that make communication more engaging and understandable.

For instance, variations in pitch and duration help to signal questions or statements, while appropriate stress can alter the intent or meaning of a message. Understanding prosody is essential for speech-language pathologists and assistants when working with clients, as it affects both comprehension and expression in spoken language.