What element of prosody adds emotional depth to reading?

The element of prosody that adds emotional depth to reading is expressiveness. Expressiveness in reading refers to the ability to convey feelings and emotions through variations in voice that reflect the content and context of the text. This includes not just the tone of voice but also the degree of enthusiasm and embodiement of characters or situations being described. By varying expressiveness, a reader can effectively communicate excitement, sadness, tension, or joy, which enhances the listener's experience and comprehension of the material.

While pitch, volume, and rhythm are significant components of prosody, they serve as tools to achieve expressiveness. For example, pitch changes can indicate questioning or excitement, volume can show intensity or calmness, and rhythm can create a sense of flow or urgency. However, it is through the overall expressiveness that a reader truly engages the audience's emotions and conveys the story's depth.