Repeating Yourself Can Be Frustrating

Have you ever noticed that people ask you to repeat yourself more often than you’d like? Whether it’s during a meeting, a phone call, or even a casual conversation, being asked to say something again can be frustrating. It may leave you wondering if your communication isn’t as clear as you thought, or worse, if something’s wrong with the way you’re speaking.

The truth is, it’s not always about your accent or vocabulary. More often than not, the reason people ask you to repeat yourself comes down to specific speech habits that may be hindering your clarity. In this post, we’ll explore these habits and share practical tips to help you communicate more effectively—so you won’t need to repeat yourself anymore.

This is Common

If you’ve ever been asked to repeat yourself in a conversation, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s not just annoying—it can leave you wondering whether your words are even making sense. If you’re someone who regularly finds yourself being asked to say things again, you might start to question your speaking abilities.

Here are some common concerns that many professionals face:

“I feel like no one is understanding me, no matter how many times I repeat myself.”

“Why do people always ask me to repeat simple things?”

“I’ think I’m speaking slowly and clearly, but still, people can’t catch what I’m saying.”

“Does my accent or pronunciation have something to do with it?”

It’s frustrating, right? You may start feeling like you’re doing everything you can to be clear, but still, it’s not working. And when you’re in professional settings, it can impact your confidence and even your credibility. But here’s the thing: these concerns are valid, and they’re much more common than you might think.

You’re Not Alone

I get it. Being asked to repeat yourself can be more than just an inconvenience—it can feel disheartening, especially when you’ve put in the effort to speak clearly. You’ve likely tried to speak more clearly, but still, it seems like something is missing. The frustration of not being understood can leave you feeling disconnected, and even questioning your ability to communicate effectively.

It’s not easy to constantly feel like you have to go over the same information multiple times. And I want you to know that this doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s a normal part of learning how to communicate in a new language or working to refine your speech. We’ve all been there at some point—feeling like our words are just floating in the air, unnoticed.

But here’s the reassuring part: It’s not your accent or your pronunciation that’s necessarily the issue. Instead, it might be a few speech habits that are getting in the way.  These habits include too rapid of a  speaking rate, lack of pausing, and not checking in with your audience to see if you are being understood. I know it might not feel like it now, but addressing this habit could make all the difference in your communication.

A Different Perspective

Instead of seeing being asked to repeat yourself as a sign of failure, think of it as an opportunity. It’s a signal that there’s something in your speech that can be fine-tuned for even clearer communication. The key here isn’t perfection; it’s about identifying and adjusting the speech habits that may be causing miscommunication.

Imagine this: every time you’re asked to repeat yourself, you’re uncovering a small opportunity for growth. The more you work on refining these habits, the more you’ll find that you’re being understood the first time.

The best part? You don’t need to change the way you speak entirely—just focus on one or two small adjustments that can have a big impact. These changes will help you communicate more clearly and confidently, making your interactions smoother and more effective.

With a little patience and practice, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference these small shifts can make. You’re already on the right path simply by recognizing that you want to improve. So let’s embrace this as a learning moment and take the next step toward better communication.

Something Practical to Try

Now that we see our breakdowns in communication as opportunities for growth, it’s time to put some practical steps into action. Here are some strategies to help you speak more clearly, reduce the chances of being asked to repeat yourself, and improve your overall communication:

Slow Down Your Speech: One of the biggest reasons people ask you to repeat yourself is speaking too quickly. When we rush, words can blur together, making it harder for others to catch every detail. Practice slowing down your pace—take a deep breath and speak with more intention, as if you are teaching what you are saying. This gives you more control over your pronunciation and helps listeners follow along with ease.

Focus on Key Points: Break up your ideas into smaller, digestible chunks. When you’re trying to get a message across, prioritize the most important parts of your sentence. If you’re saying too much at once, listeners can easily lose track. 

Use Pauses Effectively: Pausing for a moment between thoughts gives your listeners time to process what you’re saying. It also gives you a chance to breathe and refocus. Use these pauses to enhance the flow of your speech and keep your audience engaged.  Think of pausing after you make an important point.  Possibly pause before that point.  This will tell your listener to pay attention, that these words are important.

Check for Understanding: After sharing your thoughts, don’t be afraid to ask, “Did that make sense?” or “Are you with me so far?” This gives your listener the chance to confirm they’re following, and it opens up a conversation if clarification is needed.

Practice with Different Audiences: Practicing with a variety of people helps you get used to speaking in different situations. Ask friends, family, or colleagues to give you feedback on your clarity. The more you practice in real-life situations, the more comfortable you’ll become with adjusting your speaking habits to meet the needs of your audience.

Record Yourself and Listen: Sometimes, we’re not aware of our own speech habits. Record yourself speaking and listen back. What do you notice? Are you talking quickly? Are you pausing? This will help you become more self-aware and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Speak with Confidence and Clarity

Getting asked to repeat yourself can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a recurring experience. By focusing on these practical tips, you’ll reduce the chances of being asked to repeat yourself. These simple adjustments will help you communicate more confidently, and over time, your speech habits will improve, making every conversation smoother and more effective.

Remember, clarity isn’t about perfection—it’s about making your communication accessible to others. With consistent practice, you’ll see a noticeable difference in how others respond to you. Start implementing these strategies today, and soon you’ll find that people are listening more attentively, without the need for constant repeats.

Take the Next Step Toward Confident Communication

Tired of repeating yourself? Ready to make your communication clearer and more effective?

• Ready to improve your pronunciation and communication? Explore my 1:1 coaching programs or pre-recorded courses designed to help you communicate effectively in professional settings here
• Not sure where to start? Book a free discovery call with me today, and let’s discuss how I can support your goals and help you feel more confident in professional interactions. here
• Have you noticed any habits that affect how clearly you speak? Share your experiences and any challenges you’ve faced in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t let communication breakdowns hold you back. Together, we can work on making your speech stronger and clearer so you can express yourself with confidence!