Punctuation:
* Exclamation point (!): The most direct way to show strong emotion or surprise.
* _"I can't believe it! You won the lottery!"_
* Question mark (?): Can be used for emphasis if the sentence is a question, even if the emphasis isn't about seeking information.
* _"Are you serious? You're really going to do that?"_
* Parentheses ( ): Can be used to add a thought or feeling that's separate from the main sentence, but still emphasizes a specific word or phrase.
* _"I am so excited (and a little bit nervous) about my upcoming trip."_
* Dashes (-) or em dashes (—): Used to add a pause or break in the flow of the sentence, creating a stronger emphasis on the words before or after.
* _"I'm so tired—I've been working all day."_
* _"This is the best day ever—I'm so happy!"_
Other tools:
* Italics: Highlight specific words or phrases to draw attention to them.
* _"I'm not sure I _understand_ what you mean."_
* Boldface: Similar to italics, but generally used for more significant emphasis.
* _"This is very important."_
* Repetition: Repeating a word or phrase can emphasize its significance.
* _"It's time to move on. Move on. Leave the past behind."_
* Word choice: Using stronger or more evocative words can create emphasis.
* _"I'm thrilled about this opportunity."_ (instead of "I'm happy about this opportunity")
* Sentence structure: Using short, concise sentences, or placing a word or phrase at the beginning or end of a sentence can highlight its importance.
* _"This is my dream. I will achieve it."_
Ultimately, the best way to create emphasis depends on the specific situation and the effect you're trying to achieve.