The work aims to verify whether structural rhythmical profiles can serve as a tool for analyzing paradigmatic features of syllable rhythm in spoken English. Auditory methods of syllable rhythm analysis were used to conduct the study. The material consisted of recordings of seven women and seven men performing extemporaneous reading aloud and impromptu speaking.

To form the rhythmical structure of a phrase the enclitic rhythmical groups are used most often, dominating both among men and women. Differences were observed in the quantity and ratio of other types of rhythmical groups. Women showed a higher use of stressed rhythmical groups in both types of speech, while men predominantly stuck to only enclitic rhythmical groups. The transition from extemporaneous reading aloud to impromptu speaking is accompanied by an increase in the total number of all types of rhythmical groups. The greatest growth occurs within enclitic groups, whereas the smallest increase is seen in proclitic ones.

Structural rhythmical profiles have confirmed their effectiveness as tools for studying rhythmical properties of spoken speech. Gender differences are manifested in both the distribution of rhythmical groups within the two types of speech and during transitions between them. Differences in the use of stressed rhythmical groups are particularly noticeable.