- Colloquial Language: Paterson's poems are characterized by their strong use of colloquial language, capturing the authentic speech patterns of the Australian outback. He incorporated slang, idioms, and local expressions that resonate with the Australian audience. This created a sense of familiarity and connection between the poet and his readers.
- Use of Dialect: Paterson was skilled in representing different dialects, depending on the speaker in the poem. For instance, in "The Man from Snowy River," the main character Clancy possesses a distinct dialect of the Australian bush, with specific pronunciations and unique terms, making his voice authentic and believable.
- Characterization through Speech: Paterson gave his characters distinct voices by reflecting their personalities, backgrounds, and experiences through the way they speak. Their choice of words, sentence structure, and tone help in conveying their characteristics, emotions, and intentions, thus bringing them to life.
- Poetic Techniques: Paterson employed various poetic techniques to shape the voices of his characters. These techniques include rhyme, rhythm, meter, alliteration, and onomatopoeia. By carefully selecting these elements, he enhanced the musicality and expressiveness of his verses, adding layers to the voices of his characters.
- Narrative Perspective: The choice of narrative perspective had a significant impact on the voice in the poem. Paterson often adopted the first-person perspective, allowing readers to connect directly with the speaker's thoughts and emotions. This intimate approach enabled him to convey authentic and personal voices.
Overall, Banjo Paterson's skill in using colloquial language, representing dialects, and employing characterization through speech set his poems apart and gave life to the distinct voices of his Australian characters. His mastery of language allowed him to present unique perspectives, capture the essence of the Australian bush, and create an unforgettable literary experience for his readers.