Your Brain's Stall Sound

Filler words like um and uh are not random tics. They are placeholder sounds your brain makes while it hunts for the next word.

A few fillers are normal and most listeners barely notice. The trouble starts when they pile up. Once "um" and "uh" crowd every sentence, listeners stop hearing your point and start hearing your hesitation. You sound less sure of your own idea, even when you know it cold. Chronic fillers quietly tax how smart and prepared you seem.