Do you consider it rude if someone...?

Question

...speaks really fast? Some people talk fast, but some people talk fast--almost like they're trying to get over on you or something. I want to be understood and understand those who speak to me. I don't have to be right, but sometimes I find some people talking fast when they want to sound condescending (like I'm illiterate or something). I think of it kind of like a car salesman "fast-talking" his way into a sale. Do you think it's not too much to slow down and be understood?

To Cari F: It's funny you said that, because I've been told something similar and that I should stop interrupting people before I step on the wrong person's toes.

And when I say fast, I don't mean enunciated words, I mean "a full sentence said in a blur" fast...

Answer 1

No this could just be how they speak on a regular basis, according to where they are from. You can't hold that against someone, that is like holding a physical trait against someone. It is something that they may not be able to change about themselves.

Answer 2

Great question!! Personally I think it's a huge insecurity issue, followed by rudeness and lack of good manners, I can't handle it. just can't when someone speaks way fast, I stop and tell them they need to slow down because I can't understand them or I'm not getting what they are saying, there is a course I purchased, a long one too, it's called conversation confidence, it's good it teaches on how to speak when and where, why, musts and don'ts.
If a person speaks too fast it tells me a lot about that person, it lets me know immediately I can't have much to do with tha person because they also cut you off so much and are quite self centered, egotistical & illiterate, it's simply a lack of courtesy and a lot of other things, if they are not illiterate then the other part of this matter is, the person is too arrogant and it's even worse, thinks too highly of himself & too full of himself, therefore it will end up stepping all over other people, whether he or she may think has the right to do it or not, it is plain rude & senseless.

Answer 3

I grew up in a family where people often interrupted one another. In order to be heard, we often had to talk fast before someone interrupted us. I have been told by some people that I talk fast - not too fast, just fast. I think I talk normally. When I speak, I am not trying to run over anyone, or hog the conversation or trying to seem more important than I am. Nor am I trying to sell someone on something. I am merely speaking in the manner in which I grew up speaking. It's more of just being something I am used to because I had to speak quickly or lose my opportunity to speak, when I was growing up.

Answer 4

I have been told that I speak to fast. I don't do it on purpose. If I am really excited or upset the speed increases, again not on purpose. I have tried to slow down just only happens when I am concentrating on it. If someone asks me to slow down and repeat it I do. If they are doing on purpose yes it is rude, but don't think that it is in all cases. If you encounter a salesman like that, either leave or ask for someone else.

Answer 5

Just politely ask them to slow down a bit. Simple, but effective.

No, speed-talkers aren't trying to put one over you - I'm a fast talker myself, largely because of my excitable nature. People raised in large families also have a tendency to speak rapidly. I mean, there's only so much time for talk over dinner, and you have to be FAST to get your two cents in.

What's more, fast-talkers might not even be aware of how difficult their speech pattern is making it for their listeners. It's a bad habit, almost.

Next time you encounter a fast speaker, ask them to speak a little slower. It's OK to do that, as long as you're polite about it. :)

Answer 6

people who talk fast, in my opinion, are either caffeine or meth addicts. If they always have a cup of Starbucks or Soda in their hand--well, there's your answer.
But many mainstream people are addicted to meth. do they fidget a lot. I once worked with a girl that was continuously putting makeup on. She had 'tweekers zits'--pimples that pop up on their skin because that crap has a lot of impurities in it. Do they crave candy? Always broke and asking to borrow money? And not only do they talk fast, they just can't shut up!
Take a look at the person--and I would run the other way if they are a meth addict. They will screw your life up worse than they have already screwed up their own.

Answer 7

Most of the time when people speak very rapidly, I tend to get the impression that they're nervous. If I have a problem with their speech, I will probably ask them to take a breath and slow down, so that I understand what they're saying. Most people aren't aware of talking rapidly, especially if it's habitual with them.

Answer 8

i tell them my husband and i read lips (he's deaf. i don't read lips) so they have to speak more slowly. that way if they are trying to be rude i'll know it by them continuing to speak fast. then i just turn around and walk away. i figure that's not as rude as asking someone to slow down and they don't. it'll just make that person feel like an idiot.

i have a friend from kentucky who speaks WAY fast. her whole family does. is it the area she's from or just her family?
seriously, when she speaks, i watch the people around and they all take a deep beath at times (for her , i think . lol)

Answer 9

It's rude and definitely lacking in manners. Sad thing is, you almost can't do anything to stop people like this from being so. If you confront them, they will get annoyed and may even deliberately annoy you more. The reason why they do this is because they want their point to get across to you with no fight on your side. Kind of like being over-protective of themselves. If you think about it, it's a case of low self-esteem, right? They're afraid that people will not listen to them completely, so they impose the message to the listener. I should have written IMPOSE rather than impose. I have met people like that, and I always make it a point to have little to do with them as much as possible. I do talk with them, but I steer clear of any potential argument that I feel is brewing. I know it's cruel to ostracize people, but in this case, I think it is justified.

Now if it's your boss doing this, then listen more and don't say anything, this should cure him/her.

Answer 10

Sometimes it's in one's habit speaking fast. I would suggest that the next time you encountered such scenario, advise the speaker to slow down and let him/her know that he/she is speaking too fast. This isn't rude. This is wanting to understand what is being said.