Studies Show – “Um” is Good

I've been working in radio for around seven years now, and I can only image how many times I have said "Um" or "Uh" on the air.  In college they told us to stay away from saying these little filler words, but it turns out there was a study we all paid for from The University of Texas.  The study showed that people who use filler words like "Um" and "Uh" are... better people.  President Obama say's it a lot too.

We aren't assuming that someone who speaks their words down to a T with no mistakes is a schmuck.  And saying 'Um' and 'Uh' doesn't really signify we are making a mistake.  It means that we are thinking of other better things to say.  So, I guess what it means is that the 'Ums' and 'Uh'ers' of the world have a better sense of time so they can think of better words.

But why does this happen? Insult and emotional train-wreck prevention is normally spoken.  If you are trying to convince a child their cat has died, you might find yourself searching for words during the explanation of what exactly happened to Fluffy.  In doing this, your brain scrambles to find the words appropriate enough for a child so they can understand better... that's what a nice person would do.  Instead of just coming out and saying, "Hey, how was school, your cat is dead," you might say,  "Lets... um, take a seat for a minute.. I need to... uh, tell you something."  Then it continues until all of the words are out on the table."  BRAIN POWER!