3 Speech Patterns That Slow Down Meetings
Olga Smith
Owner of BATCS Global, a publishing business, Director of Accent Reduction courses
March 26, 2026
Yesterday I had a meeting with my tech team, and it inspired me to write this article.
I want to showcase speech patterns that create confusion, slow down decisions, and frustrate participants.
1. Interrupting Others
This habit disrupts the flow of conversation. It’s ineffective because important ideas may be lost, and it can create tension.
Cure: Have patience to listen to others and make notes of the most important points.
2. Avoiding Direct Answers
It is quite frustrating when people do not answer questions directly, as if they didn’t hear them and go in circles. Not answering questions clearly delays decisions.
Examples
Question 1: “Can you finish this report by today?”
Indirect Response: “Well, I’ve got quite a few things going on, and the report is pretty detailed, so it might take some time to make sure everything is accurate…”
Direct answer: “I won’t be able to finish it today, but I can have it ready by tomorrow morning.”
Question 2: “How much will this project cost?”
Indirect answer: “Costs can vary depending on different factors like materials, timelines, and scope changes…”
Direct answer: “The estimated cost is £5,000, depending on the final scope.”
Cure: Listen to questions, clarify them if necessary and answer the question directly.
3. Speaking Too Quickly
This is particularly difficult if there is a tech discussion with non-tech people. It slows down the meeting because listeners may miss key information or misunderstand you.
Cure: This is a hard one to cure because it is a habit for many people and part of their nature. I recommend:
Stressing the key points, you can master these skills with the app Fluent English Speech
Making pauses between ideas, you can master these skills with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause
Warmly
Olga Smith