What is a characteristic of distressed speech?

Distressed speech is often characterized by delayed responses, which can occur when an individual is experiencing emotional or psychological turmoil. This delay may manifest as pauses in conversation, difficulty in formulating thoughts, or struggles to respond in a timely manner, reflecting the cognitive overload that can accompany distress. In such situations, the individual may be preoccupied with their feelings or thoughts, impacting their ability to engage in fluid conversation. This is distinct from clear articulation or fluent conversation, where the speaker communicates smoothly and effectively without significant hindrance, as well as engaging storytelling, which typically requires a level of composure and cognitive clarity that may not be present during times of distress.