tentative speech
[ˈtɛn.tə.tɪv spiːtʃ]
nounpl: tentative speeches
fala hesitante
1. Speech characterized by uncertainty, hesitation, or lack of confidence; communication that expresses doubt or is presented without conviction
His tentative speech during the presentation made the audience question his expertise.
Sua fala hesitante durante a apresentação fez a plateia questionar sua experiência.
2. Communication that is provisional, experimental, or subject to change; not final or definitive
The manager offered a tentative speech about the upcoming restructuring, indicating that details were still being finalized.
O gerente fez uma fala provisória sobre a reestruturação próxima, indicando que os detalhes ainda estavam sendo finalizados.
3. Speech marked by hedging language, qualifiers, and expressions of uncertainty
The witness gave a tentative speech, using phrases like 'I think' and 'perhaps' throughout her testimony.
A testemunha deu uma fala hesitante, usando expressões como 'acho que' e 'talvez' durante todo seu depoimento.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, tentative speech is often perceived negatively in professional settings, as confidence and assertiveness are typically valued in business communication. However, it may be more accepted in academic or scientific contexts where researchers present preliminary findings. In Brazilian culture, warm and confident communication is particularly prized, making tentative speech more noticeable as a deviation from expected norms.
NYC Slang
wishy-washy talk
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