Certified Travel Associate Practice

What do we call words or sounds that speakers sometimes say unconsciously when there is a pause in the flow of speech?

1. Clarity

2. Completeness

3. Verbal disrupter

4. Verbalized pause

The correct answer is: Verbalized pause

The term that describes the words or sounds speakers may utter unconsciously during a pause in their speech is known as a verbalized pause. This occurs when individuals use fillers, such as "um," "uh," "like," or "you know," as they collect their thoughts or search for the right word. These sounds can serve various functions, including indicating that the speaker intends to continue speaking and providing them with a moment to think without yielding the floor to another speaker. Verbalized pauses are a common aspect of speech and can affect the communication process. They can signal uncertainty or a hesitation in one's thoughts, but they also have a place in conversational dynamics. Recognizing and understanding verbalized pauses can help speakers manage their communication more effectively and enhance their public speaking skills.