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Methods for hosts to break away from fixed linguistic patterns! Source: Qingda University* Bar. In reading aloud, a fixed intonation refers to using a constant vocal pattern to fit words into a single format, applying the same unchanging tone to various reading materials – regardless of their content or genre, whether they are written or spoken, in classical or modern language, or whether they are works by Lu Xun or Lao She – so that no difference can be heard in the way they are read. This article focuses on the reading skills for prescribed texts in broadcasting and hosting, specifically how to overcome a fixed tone. Reasons for the formation of a fixed reading tone There are many reasons for the emergence of a fixed reading tone; some people develop this habit from reading aloud in their childhood and are unable to change it, while others believe that only certain ways of reading are acceptable... But the fundamental reason lies in a lack of understanding of reading aloud, as well as insufficient research into the theories and processes involved in reading aloud. The way people read aloud to one another is also one of the reasons for the formation of fixed intonations. In terms of the reading style, there is a lack of variation from beginning to end, which is precisely the direct cause of a fixed tone. Types of fixed intonation There are different types of fixed intonation; we will try to categorize them into four types, provide a brief explanation of each, and draw attention to their therapeutic significance. 1. Reading in a formal tone: This means reading the characters aloud as they are pronounced, with either characters without corresponding words, or words without complete sentences. Words or phrases lack proper distinction in stress patterns, let alone the richness of specific emotions. No complete sentences or paragraphs can be discerned; there is no expression of any thoughts or emotions. For example: “Today is the first day of school.” ” It’s actually a very simple and straightforward phrase, but when read in a formal tone, it only yields fragmented phrases such as “Today is,” “School has started,” “First day,” with no discernible connection between these phrases, let alone any hint of tone or emphasis. This fixed intonation pattern involves pronouncing “today” in a mid-stress pattern; the word “is” is drawn out; “the start of school” is pronounced in a mid-mid-stress pattern; the character “de” isn’t pronounced with a light tone at all, but rather as a stressed syllable—it even has its main vowel changed to be pronounced as “dɑ”. Similarly, “the first day” is also pronounced in a mid-mid-stress pattern, with the stress on the character “one” disappearing. It can be seen that the main problem with the reading style is the excessive use of pauses; the positions and durations of these pauses are similar, there is no emphasis, and the tone remains consistent. The reading accent still bears clear traces of literacy, which is more common in the first and second grades of elementary school and deserves attention. 2. Singing style: While the recitative style can still convey the basic meanings of certain characters and words, the singing style relies only on the sound itself; during singing, the function of expressing emotions and meanings is **weakened**. In this style of storytelling singing, the rhythm is uniform, with pauses and dotted notes being extremely rare; the intervals do not change much, as those few notes are simply repeated. On such a musical score, words with different contents can be filled in, regardless of their importance or tone. Such a melody, in terms of its musical quality, has nothing commendable about it. The biggest drawback of singing in a narrative style is the separation between sound and meaning; one can only hear the sound without understanding its meaning or the emotions it conveys. It doesn’t matter whether it’s long sentences or short ones, or whether there is one person or multiple people singing; it can keep singing continuously, in unison. The more it sings, the stronger the tone becomes, and the less attention is paid to the pronunciation and intonation. Once this singing technique is mastered, it’s possible to transform written words into sound without understanding them at all or feeling anything toward them; for the listener, there is only the stimulation of a simple melody, with no emotional impact whatsoever. 3. Chanting style: This refers to the method of reading in a soft and fast voice. It may have originated from \"silent reading\" or \"reading aloud without sound\", and it is a form of reading intended solely for memorization. This is fundamentally completely different from the requirements for reading aloud. Even when appreciating and savoring a work on one’s own, if it is to be read aloud, one should speak at an appropriate volume, so as to enjoy aesthetic pleasure both in terms of emotional content and rhythmic flow. When facing the audience, one should even less use this chant-like way of reading. 4. Recitation style: The recitations on stage, with their exaggerated and expressive verbal expressions, are vivid and engaging; they are not only full of passion but also feature a strong rhythm to the voice. If readers in the initial stage imitate this method of recitation purely based on its auditory form, without considering the context, purpose, content, or genre, it will surely have a negative impact on their reading aloud; it may even lead to the development of a fixed tone that is difficult to correct. Ways to overcome a fixed tone As mentioned above, the disadvantages of a fixed tone are obvious. Now, people are able to distinguish between fixed intonations, and many readers are also striving to overcome this issue; here, only two points will be briefly discussed. 1. It is necessary to improve language sense. The so-called sense of language has two meanings: it refers both to the ability to receive and store linguistic information, and to the ability to produce and manipulate linguistic information. The fixed intonation present in reading is closely related to the poor sense of language of the reader. Only by enhancing one’s sense of language, distinguishing between good and bad, adopting the good practices and correcting the poor ones, can excellent reading models (including recordings) fully leverage their role as examples to follow. 2. Pay attention to the status. To break away from a fixed tone and make the flow of speech conform to the rules of reading aloud, it is necessary to change the insincere and passive state of reading, enhance the expression of thoughts and emotions, properly control the tone and intensity of the voice, pay attention to changes in breath and sound, so as to give spoken language vitality.