Making Annoying Speech Patterns Work For You

Sometimes I catch myself mid-conversation realising I’ve veered off course, lost momentum, or just plain confused the poor bugger trying to keep up.

Whether I’m rambling, mumbling, or being a bit too clever with my words, I know I’m not alone. We all have our quirks when we speak. While some habits are better off binned, others can be sharpened into something useful — maybe even charming.

When I searched the world-wide-web to find out if the literature world had words for the styles – Lo and behold, there is! But none are helping people to either fix or utilise the pattern – so that’s the aim of this article:

Here are seven speaking styles that often get treated like flaws — so I am teaching you to either rein them in OR make them work in your favour:

1. Mussitation

That low, mumbly muttering might feel comfortable, especially when you’re unsure or just not in the mood to speak up. But if people keep leaning in, asking you to repeat yourself, or nodding politely without a clue what you just said — it’s time to change gears.

Try this:
Slow down, open your mouth a bit more when you speak, and picture your words landing clearly across the table. On the other hand, if used intentionally — like in quiet one-on-one chats — it can create intimacy. Just don’t let it be your default.

2. Discursive

Jumping from one topic to another might feel like free-flowing conversation, but too much of it and people lose the plot. You start with a story about your dog, detour into your cousin’s neighbour’s wedding, and never quite get back.

Try this:
Use it in casual storytelling or humour, but know when to rein it in. Anchor your stories with a point. If you’re sharing ideas, jot a few down first to keep on track — especially in meetings or serious chats.

3. Ponderous

Slow and steady doesn’t always win the race — especially when you’re so cautious or flat that people forget you’re still talking. If you’re dragging your words or using too many pauses, you risk sounding uninterested — even if you care deeply.

Try this:
Inject some vocal energy, vary your pitch, and show your interest in what you’re saying. Ponderous speech can work when you need to calm a room or deliver heavy material — just add purpose to the pacing.

4. Flowery

Big words, poetic phrases, and lyrical sentences — great for a novel, not always great for the pub. If you over-polish your speech, it can sound unnatural or even a bit smug.

Try this:
Use flourish when it adds beauty or power — but balance it with plain language. The best speakers know when to dazzle and when to drop it back to basics. Keep the listener in mind, not your own cleverness.

5. Prolix

Ever told a story that went for so long you forgot why you started it? That’s prolix: when you keep adding words without getting to the punchline. It drains attention and makes people switch off — even if your point is solid.

Try this:
Practice telling stories in a few sentences before expanding. Give your audience a reason to listen. Use longer formats for writing or storytelling, but tighten your message in conversation.

6. Sesquipedalian

Fancy words can be fun — but if you’re reaching for the dictionary mid-chat, you’ve lost your audience. Using long, academic words when a simple one would do can come off as pretentious or unclear.

Try this:
Save the big words for when they really fit. If your goal is connection, clarity wins every time. But if you’re teaching or writing formally, a well-placed sesquipedalian term can show expertise — just don’t overdo it.

7. Loquacious

Some people love a good chat. But if you’re steamrolling the conversation, people may start ducking your calls. Being loquacious isn’t bad — but it needs boundaries.

Try this:
Read the room. Ask questions, pause to listen, and notice body language. When managed well, being chatty can light up a room and make people feel included. Just leave space for others to jump in too.

In the end, it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being aware.

The way we speak shapes how others see us, and how we connect. So take stock, tweak where needed, and above all — make sure your voice reflects who you truly are.