hesitant speech
[/ˈhɛzɪtənt spitʃ/]
noun
fala hesitante
1. Speech characterized by pauses, interruptions, or uncertainty; a manner of speaking that shows doubt or lack of confidence
Her hesitant speech revealed her nervousness during the job interview.
Sua fala hesitante revelou seu nervosismo durante a entrevista de emprego.
2. Speaking with frequent breaks, stammering, or showing signs of indecision
The witness gave hesitant speech when describing the accident.
A testemunha deu uma fala hesitante ao descrever o acidente.
In Brazilian culture, hesitant speech in professional contexts (job interviews, presentations) is often associated with lack of preparation or low self-esteem, while in casual settings it may indicate humility or politeness. In American contexts, it can signal various emotional states including anxiety, dishonesty, or thoughtfulness depending on the situation.
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