Patterner

A patterner is a person who delivers patter—rapid, rhythmic, or informal spoken material designed to entertain, persuade, or maintain the momentum of a performance. The term is formed from patter, meaning brisk, often witty talk, with the agent noun suffix -er or -ner.

Patter can appear in several contexts. In theatre and music, patter is closely associated with patter songs or monologues in which a performer recites lines at speed to create comic or theatrical effect. The patterner guides the audience through the routine, often using wordplay, pacing, and emphasis to sustain energy. In stand-up comedy and live performance, patter consists of ongoing banter, crowd interaction, and improvised riffs framed by a set piece. In magic and vaudeville, patter is the spoken script that accompanies tricks, providing setup, misdirection, and storytelling.

A separate but related use of patter occurs in sales and persuasive speaking. A salesperson or vendor may employ patter to describe features, benefits, and price in a rhythmic, memorable way intended to engage listeners and close a deal. While the term patter may imply scripted delivery, effective patter often blends preparation with improvisation to respond to audience cues.

Patterners require strong timing, voice control, and audience awareness. When well executed, patter can enhance clarity, humor, and engagement; when overused or poorly timed, it may undermine the performance.