People often repeat themselves to make their point clear for several reasons:
Emphasis: Repetition can be used to emphasize a particular idea or point. By saying something multiple times, individuals hope that their audience will pay more attention and remember the key message.
Reinforcement: Repetition helps reinforce information in the listener's mind. It increases the chances that the listener will grasp and retain the message, especially if the information is complex or new.
Clarification: If the concept being conveyed is not immediately understood, repeating it can help clarify and provide additional context or examples to aid comprehension.
Persuasion: Repetition is often used in persuasive communication to make an argument more compelling. By repeating key points or slogans, speakers aim to sway the listener's opinion and create a lasting impression.
Overcoming resistance: Sometimes, people repeat their message when they encounter resistance or skepticism. They hope that by restating their position, the listener might eventually come around to their perspective.
Cognitive bias: Repetition can exploit cognitive biases like the "mere exposure effect," where people tend to develop a preference for things simply because they are familiar with them. Repeating an idea can make it more familiar and, consequently, more acceptable to some individuals.
Anxiety or nervousness: In stressful situations, such as public speaking or high-stakes conversations, people may unknowingly repeat themselves due to anxiety or nervousness. This repetition can serve as a coping mechanism in such situations.
However, it is important to note that excessive repetition can be perceived as annoying or condescending by the listener. Therefore, it's essential to strike a balance and use repetition judiciously to effectively communicate without alienating the audience.