Why might a speaker emphasize certain words in a passage?

Emphasizing certain words in a passage serves several purposes, and marking key points for listeners is particularly important. When a speaker highlights specific words, it draws the audience’s attention to the central ideas or arguments being presented. This technique helps listeners identify the most crucial components of the message, ensuring that they grasp the essential information being conveyed.

By guiding the audience's focus, the speaker enhances understanding and retention of the main ideas, making it easier for listeners to follow along and engage with the content being discussed. This emphasis can also aid in clarifying the speaker's intent and the significance of those key points within the overall context of the passage.