We all use filler words like um or uh but it’s rare that we hear them in movies, news broadcasts or … uh … this show. Author Michael Erard explains that verbal blunders and hesitations reveal more than we think.
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Comments [6]
Why does the media require the use of so many filler words?
How about our illustrious Sec. of State Condi Rice, um, seems to, um, continually, um, stammers, um, uh, working to make, um, her, um, point.
Hmmm.
1 in 10 words is a slip? That's a lot!
I would love it if you put up an alternate version of this with the um's left in. Then we could listen to both and see which we prefer.
I was waiting to see if OTM would do a story on how PBS over-inflated the ratings for The War and interview the ombudsmen that nailed them on it... but no... we get a segment on the word "um" which OTM religiously cleanses (unless its from the lips of Bush).
Ugh.
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