91. Um, like, so: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication

We’re often advised not to use “um” or “uh”, or “so” and “you know” in our communication. But linguist Valerie Fridland might argue otherwise. “Language is about how we encode both the linguistic message and a social message,” she says. “Crutch words … are really valuable and they have arisen to serve a need.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: the podcast, Fridland sits down with host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how and when we use "you know","so", and other filler words. For example, Fridland says, the way we use “um” varies greatly from how and we might use “uh.” And the use of “like,” while deplored by many, actually serves a linguistic function and can provide context and background for a listener.
She and Matt also discuss the social-linguistic function of vocal fry and whether emojis have a place in business communication.
Fridland is a professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Nevada. She's an expert on the relationship between language and society and recently released a new book, Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. (www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...)

[@fabio-fogaomaquina3816]

I already send hearts in Teams with different groups. People were a bit surprised, my boss asked me about, my answer was: the world needs more love. That’s why.
Nice to see, today, more people use it.
The more love the better. ❤

[@8209JAI]

The more I learn… the more I realize that as a society we don’t know shit… there’s always a counter argument to anything. This is the perfect example “Filler words are bad” “filler words are good”. With this I say, do whatever works for you.

[@career-coach-channel]

Thanks!

[@user-gy1gw5yl3c]

Cool like it

[@shrikantpawar8269]

Good morning sir

[@abaker4692]

Filler words are not good to use.

[@hmken0697]

OMG, I heard that this espisode illustrates Taylor Swift is a great communicator.

[@rkr894able]

On a 2nd question, she lost me. Simple answer turn into confusion. Thought, I should continue and 3rd answer was great.

[@faizinaqvi1586]

This doesn’t make sense. If “like” and others are to express feelings then just use those words to express them instead. They are totally unnecessary and are only used my young females just cause they have too many feelings but little vocabulary.

[@victorvanlaldinthar1434]

0

[@neelzen9975]

Yeah ... no. Stupid advice

[@9445163671]

It's little fast conversation not able to