Lesson 6 - Character Exercise

Many of the following speech patterns were overheard in the waiting room of a doctor's office where I spent a couple of hours yesterday. Others were heard on television, at the grocery store, and at the library. I have to report I got a few strange stares....

Repeatedly saying "you know" while speaking.
Character could be a sports player or a street person.

Sprinkling "you alls" and greeting with "hey" in conversation.
Character could be a southern (U.S.) lady or a redneck guy.

Speaking in a monotone with little expression.
Character could be a sleepwalker, a psychotic, or a very depressed person.

Speaking slowly and clearly with good enunciation.
Character could be a teacher speaking to a child or a parent admonishing an offspring.

Stuttering or faltering in one's speech.
Character could be someone who is afraid of the person he is speaking to or someone who is lying.

Someone speaking eloquently as though reading.
Character could be an attorney or the dean of a university, at the least, someone well-educated.

Speaking fast and stumbling over words.
Character could be an excited child or a child wanting someone's attention.

Someone who slurs his/her syllables.
Character could be drunk, drugged, or even autistic.

Someone who continually interrupts and overtalks another.
Character who thinks he is superior or a very bad listener.

Speaker who drops his r's when preceded by a vowel.
Character could be a politician from Massachusetts.