[Prosodic features of computer-assisted presentations: a preliminary study].
BACKGROUND
Computer-assisted presentations (CAP) seem to be characterized by changes of rhythm and melody of speech, compared to spontaneous speech, in many cases with periods with rapid and excessively regular breaks interspersed with long pauses.


METHODS
We analyzed the prosody and especially the pace in the temporal organization of prominences (distribution of stress, articulatory speed, pause duration) in 37 inexperienced subjects in a CAP corresponding to an actual review of graduation. The results were compared with a presentation without support (PWS) conducted immediately after the first. A jury had to propose a gradation of prosody (typical CAP, intermediate, non-typical). Accentual distribution was analyzed from a perceptual experiment. The articulatory speed and length of breaks were analyzed from the speech signal.


RESULTS
We found the main elements of prosodic style assumed in three-quarters of subjects. This style was characterized by a faster articulatory rate and a more regular and rhythmic breaks due to excessive elongation of silent pauses when changing view of the slide.


CONCLUSIONS
The assumption seems validated because the majority of subjects in our study are of particular prosodic rhythm (faster and more regular). Subjects with archetypal prosody of CAP appear to be those whose speech followed closely their slide presentation, which disrupted their communication.
CHU Timone, Service ORL, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France.
C
C
Robieux
J
J
Révis
A
A
Ghio
A
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Giovanni
D000328:Adult; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010700:Phonetics; D013060:Speech; D013068:Speech Production Measurement / Q000379:methods*