For example, if you’re trying to emphasize a major point in an academic paper, you could use italics in a sentence like, “This new study actually poses a major challenge to conventional medical practices. " If you’re writing a paper for class or a particular journal, check the publication. Sometimes, things like book titles may be underlined instead of italicized.
For example, if you’re writing instructions on how to assemble a vacuum cleaner, you may write something like, “The upholstery brush is then attached to the end of the nozzle. "
For example, you may use an exclamation point in a sentence like, “She screamed as he made his way to the train platform, ‘Stop and listen to me!’” Exclamation points can come off as melodramatic if they’re overused, so stick to using exclamation points for very big moments. If you’re using text as a visual aid, such as in a presentation, try to incorporate other forms of emphasis such as using a bigger or bolded font, changing the spacing around the word, or changing the color of the word.
For example, in the sentence, “This new technique led to a 30% increase in sales. " You want to emphasize the phrase “30% increase,” so pause for a moment after “a. "
Make sure to pronounce each syllable as clearly as possible and elongate the important word.
For example, “This new technique led to a 30% increase, a 30% increase, in sales this quarter. "
Some publications may have their own unique style, using unconventional means like quotation marks as emphasis.
To help you remember which words to emphasize as you practice your speech, try bolding certain terms or using ellipses around them as a visual signal in your notes or script.
