Hesitation
Pauses, filler words, or repetitions in speech caused by uncertainty, thinking, or searching for words.
In-Depth Explanation
Hesitation in speech includes pauses, filler words (um, uh), repetitions, and false starts. While some hesitation is natural, excessive hesitation affects fluency. Causes of hesitation: - Searching for vocabulary - Planning sentence structure - Anxiety or nervousness - Lack of preparation - Translating from native language Normal vs excessive hesitation: - Brief pauses (0.5-1 sec) are natural - Pauses over 3 seconds feel awkward - Occasional fillers are fine; frequent fillers distract Strategies to reduce hesitation: - Accept some pauses as natural - Use fillers strategically ("Well, let me think...") - Practice speaking on familiar topics - Prepare key phrases in advance
Usage Examples
His frequent hesitation made the presentation difficult to follow.
A brief hesitation before answering showed she was thinking carefully.
Practice reduces hesitation by making vocabulary more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is some hesitation normal in speech?
How can I reduce hesitation during presentations or interviews?
Does hesitation affect my score in speaking exams like IELTS?
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