Um-ing

Um-ing refers to the act of inserting the vocal filler "um" or "er" into speech, often unintentionally. These sounds serve as a pause or hesitation marker while a speaker formulates thoughts, searches for the right words, or gathers their composure. It can indicate uncertainty, reflection, or simply a momentary lapse in the flow of communication. While sometimes perceived negatively, um-ing is a natural part of spoken language and can even add a layer of authenticity to a speaker's delivery, making them sound more human and less rehearsed. Excessive um-ing, however, can be distracting and undermine the clarity of a message. The frequency and context of um-ing determine its impact on an audience or listener.

Um-ing meaning with examples

• During his presentation, the CEO kept um-ing while he was looking over his notes, a sign of his unpreparedness and that he was not comfortable with the content. This, unfortunately, made the presentation fall flat. The audience grew restless as each 'um' punctuated the already slow speech. It seemed that the CEO was unable to convey a clear message due to his hesitation.
• As Sarah was telling the story, she kept um-ing while trying to remember the details. It’s normal for people to use filler words while trying to grasp information from their memory. This showed the audience that she was being honest because if someone was creating a false story, they wouldn’t have these filler words.
• In the middle of his speech, the politician started um-ing. When he um-ed, he seemed to be trying to find the right words to avoid upsetting any voters. This caused the audience to lose faith in his words and lose their trust in him. Although it’s natural, it did not help the audience.
• The comedian was constantly um-ing in his set, making his jokes seem less funny because the audience felt like he was having a hard time. The repetitive use of the filler words made his comedy seem unpolished and caused distractions from his jokes. He should work on controlling his use of um's so they do not undermine the quality of his performance.