My mother and I watch Rachel Ray with great amusement. We can’t believe anyone can talk that fast. lol
I'm in IT, and for the longest time I used to trip Southerners up. When I came to fix an issue, rather than going through the long preamble of "How are you, and your kids, and all the relatives, and the weather, and the job, and did you see the game last night and...." ....I'd either just ask "So, what needs fixing" or, just sit down and start fixing the problem.
I just didn't know any better. Southerners just didn't know how to deal with it.
After a good bit down here, I've decided that slower *is* better. I'll live longer. But sometimes, I'd just like to communicate what needs to be communicated (like with my neighbor that I don't get along very well with...just say "shut your $#@#$ dog up") and skip all of the pleasantries.