Whether we realise it or not, people make snap judgments based on the way other people speak.
From accents to speech patterns, the way someone talks can shape how they’re seen, often unfairly. Some assume a certain accent means someone is less intelligent, while others judge people for their tone, slang, or even how fast or slow they speak. But the way someone talks has nothing to do with their worth, intelligence, or abilities. Here are just some of the reasons why we need to stop making assumptions about people because of the way they speak.
1. Accents don’t determine intelligence.
People often assume that certain accents mean someone is more educated, while others make a person sound less intelligent. But accents have nothing to do with how smart someone is—they’re just a reflection of where someone grew up. It’s a mistake to assume someone is less capable just because they don’t sound like you. In reality, judging intelligence based on accents says more about the person making the assumption than the person speaking.
2. Speaking slowly doesn’t mean someone is dumb.
Some people take their time when they talk, either because they’re thoughtful about their words or because that’s just how their brain processes speech. Assuming that someone who speaks slowly is less intelligent is unfair; sometimes, the people who pause the most are the ones thinking the deepest. In many cases, slow talkers are simply more deliberate, choosing their words carefully instead of rushing to respond.
3. Speaking fast doesn’t mean someone is lying.
Fast talkers often get accused of being untrustworthy or trying to hide something, but for many, it’s just how their brain works. Some people speak quickly when they’re excited or passionate about something, not because they’re being dishonest. Judging someone for talking too fast ignores the fact that speech speed is often natural, not a reflection of someone’s intentions. Instead of assuming the worst, it’s better to listen to what they’re actually saying.
4. Slang and informal speech aren’t signs of ignorance.
Some people assume that using slang or informal speech means someone isn’t well-educated, but language is always evolving. Slang is a natural part of communication, and different social groups use it to connect and express themselves. Plenty of highly intelligent people use slang, dialects, and informal language in everyday life. Just because someone speaks casually doesn’t mean they don’t have deep thoughts or important things to say.
5. Public speaking struggles don’t mean someone lacks confidence.
Not everyone is comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Some people stumble over their words, use fillers like “um” or “uh,” or get nervous when talking to new people. That doesn’t mean they aren’t knowledgeable or capable—it just means they express themselves differently. Some of the most intelligent people in history have struggled with public speaking, proving that communication style doesn’t define someone’s intelligence or confidence.
6. Regional dialects aren’t “wrong.”
Some people are quick to judge dialects that sound different from what they’re used to, but no dialect is incorrect. Language naturally varies by region, and different ways of speaking are just as valid as standardised forms. Criticising someone for their dialect ignores the fact that language is shaped by culture and history, not rigid rules. Instead of expecting everyone to sound the same, embracing linguistic diversity leads to better understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds.
7. Not everyone speaks their first language fluently.
People who speak English as a second (or third) language sometimes struggle with pronunciation, grammar, or finding the right words. That doesn’t mean they’re less intelligent; it just means they’re navigating multiple languages at once. Fluency doesn’t determine intelligence, and learning multiple languages is actually a sign of cognitive flexibility. Instead of focusing on minor mistakes, appreciating the effort someone puts into communicating in a new language is far more respectful.
8. Some people have speech disorders or impediments.
Stuttering, lisps, and other speech differences can make it harder for some people to communicate in the way everyone else expects. But these issues don’t define their intelligence or abilities. Judging someone for the way they speak, when it’s something beyond their control, only reinforces harmful biases that make communication even harder for them. Instead of drawing attention to it, being patient and understanding helps create a more inclusive conversation.
9. Code-switching is a real thing.
Many people adjust how they speak depending on their environment—a practice known as code-switching. They might speak one way with family, another way with friends, and yet another in professional settings. Assuming someone is being “fake” because they switch between different styles of speech ignores the fact that language is flexible, and people naturally adapt to different social situations. It’s a skill, not a flaw.
10. Deep voices aren’t more authoritative.
People often associate deep voices with leadership and authority, but that doesn’t mean those with higher-pitched voices are less capable. Studies have shown that people with deeper voices are sometimes taken more seriously, but this bias is completely unfair. A person’s ability to lead has nothing to do with the pitch of their voice. Some of the greatest leaders in history didn’t have deep, commanding voices, but they still inspired millions.
11. Quiet people still have plenty to say.
Just because someone doesn’t speak much doesn’t mean they don’t have valuable thoughts or insights. Some people prefer to listen more than they talk, and that’s not a weakness. Judging someone for being too quiet or assuming they don’t have anything important to contribute overlooks the fact that some of the most thoughtful people aren’t the loudest ones in the room. Often, when they do speak, it’s worth listening to.
12. Different cultures have different speech patterns.
Not all cultures communicate in the same way. Some people use more pauses, some interrupt more in conversation, and others rely on non-verbal cues rather than words. Assuming someone is rude or disinterested just because they communicate differently ignores the cultural factors that shape speech patterns. Respecting these differences leads to better understanding and stronger connections.
13. Overcorrecting someone’s speech is unnecessary.
Some people love to correct someone when they mispronounce a word or use informal grammar, but unless it’s genuinely helpful, it often just comes across as condescending. Language is meant to communicate ideas, not follow rigid rules for the sake of it. If you understood what someone meant, there’s no need to nitpick how they said it. Constantly correcting people can make them feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, making conversations less productive.
14. Judging speech creates unnecessary barriers.
At the end of the day, how someone talks shouldn’t determine how they’re treated. Making assumptions based on accents, speed, tone, or word choice only reinforces unfair biases. Instead of focusing on how someone speaks, listening to what they’re actually saying leads to better conversations, stronger connections, and more inclusive spaces where everyone feels heard. Breaking down these biases helps create a world where people are valued for their ideas, not just the way they sound.
