Conversational Fillers
Conversational fillers are words or phrases that people use in speech to fill pauses or gaps while thinking. Common examples include "um," "uh," "like," and "you know." These fillers can help speakers maintain the flow of conversation, giving them a moment to gather their thoughts without losing the listener's attention.
While often seen as a sign of uncertainty or hesitation, conversational fillers can also serve social functions, such as signaling that the speaker is not finished talking. They can create a more relaxed atmosphere in discussions, making conversations feel more natural and less formal.