What is a vocalized pause?

A vocalized pause occurs when a speaker fills a silence in their speech with sounds such as "uh," "um," "like," or similar vocalizations. This term specifically refers to the way speakers might subconsciously use these fillers to maintain the flow of conversation or to buy time while they gather their thoughts. While pausing can serve important functions, using vocalized pauses can detract from the effectiveness of a speech. It interrupts the flow and may distract the audience, potentially undermining the speaker's authority or confidence.

In contrast, a moment of silence signifies a deliberate pause for dramatic effect or to allow the audience to absorb information, and stopping to gather thoughts focuses on mental processing rather than speaking. Additionally, using gestures in lieu of words does not align with the concept of vocalized pauses, as it highlights non-verbal communication rather than verbal interruptions. Understanding what vocalized pauses are and how they affect public speaking is essential for effective communication and maintaining audience engagement.