Tonal variation refers to the differences in tone or pitch within a piece of music or speech. In music, it can involve changes in the intensity or quality of sound, affecting how a melody is perceived. In speech, tonal variation can convey different emotions or meanings, depending on how words are emphasized. In languages like Mandarin Chinese, tonal variation is crucial, as the meaning of a word can change based on its tone. Similarly, in music composition, composers use tonal variation to create dynamics and expressiveness, enhancing the overall experience for the listener.