diff --git a/src/orca/speech.py b/src/orca/speech.py
index 5e189eb..6a79a27 100644
--- a/src/orca/speech.py
+++ b/src/orca/speech.py
@@ -189,11 +189,8 @@ def speak(content, acss=None, interrupt=True):
                 else:
                     subString = element
             elif isinstance(element, speech_generator.Pause):
-                if subString:
-                    if subString[-1] != ".":
-                        subString += "."
-                    _speak(subString, acss, interrupt)
-                    subString = None
+                if subString and subString[-1] != ".":
+                    subString += "."
             elif isinstance(element, speech_generator.LineBreak):
                 if subString:
                     _speak(subString, acss, interrupt)
