What term refers to the clear and precise pronunciation of speech sounds?

Articulation is the correct term that refers to the clear and precise pronunciation of speech sounds. In the context of speech and language, articulation involves the ability to physically produce sounds accurately using the articulators, such as the tongue, lips, and palate. It encompasses the clarity with which sounds are formed, which is crucial for effective communication. Proper articulation allows listeners to understand speech without difficulty, making it fundamental to language development and effective verbal expression.

Fluency, on the other hand, involves the flow and rhythm of speech rather than the clarity of sounds. Intonation refers to the variation in pitch while speaking, which can convey different meanings or emotions and is more about the melody of speech than its clarity. Prosody encompasses the patterns of stress and intonation in speech, which also focuses on the broader aspects of timing and rhythm, rather than the precise formation of individual sounds. Thus, articulation distinctly focuses on the accurate pronunciation crucial for clear communication.