This is most evident in public speaking. People exhibit the tendency of presenting informal parts of speech within formal settings. Here are some examples; The UM! The Yadda! The Blah! The Like! The Ah! And the Okay! There are even nonverbals such as a blank stare (vacant look) or pregnant pause that regularly filter into formal dialogue.
Why? These instances may start out as a means to reducing anxiety while expressing uncertainty, being placed into a strange environment, plopped down in front of a group of strangers, being unprepared when preparation is expected, being given authority when the position is unnatural or underdeveloped, a new job, topic, or something spontaneous arises. Over time, however, these transitions seem to become a part of the individuals speech pattern whereby anxiety and uncertainty are replaced by relaxation, comfort, and confidence all in the guise of poor English. I’ve heard some fairly knowledgeable individuals speak on subjects tarnishing their lectures with the frequent UM! thus completely undermining the value of the presentation.
It was funny on Seinfield but in reality it is most annoying!!!
Quote of the Moment: A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking. ~Good Ol' Jerry~
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