The Um Redux
A few months ago I wrote a post about how hesitation sounds can function as "traffic signals" for conversation, letting the listener know that a pause does not mean the speaker is relinquishing the conversational turn, but just thinking of how to phrase the rest of the statement. I also reflected on when those "traffic signals" go awry, and how frustrating a conversation can be when a listener can't tell whether the pause is just the speaker catching their breath, or if a response is expected at this point (especially if it comes at a point that feels random, as if there should be more on the way and speaking up would risk interrupting the speaker).
Today I discovered a related article. It seems that hesitation sounds aren't just important but underappreciated features of conversation, helping to regulate the process of give and take. They also have a function in public speaking, not just marking time while the speaker plans the next sentence, but also helping to signal that something important is coming up next.
Public speakers are often taught that they should avoid hesitation sounds, because the little "ah" and "um" sounds make one look sloppy and unprepared. However, there is evidence that the total elimination of them may actually be counterproductive and reduce listening comprehension by making everything come out at the same level.
One thing that really caught my note as a writer of speculative fiction -- the comment about humans not being able to plan whole passages of speech and spool them off in a continuous smooth flow of words. I immediately that a machine entity -- an AI or a post-biological human being -- might well be able to, but when dealing with bios would want to avoid doing so in order to prevent Uncanny Valley responses. It might well be something I'll want to keep in mind when I write further stories of the Chaffee Artilect -- might he get caught out and exposed at some point in just that manner while running a biological avatar?
Today I discovered a related article. It seems that hesitation sounds aren't just important but underappreciated features of conversation, helping to regulate the process of give and take. They also have a function in public speaking, not just marking time while the speaker plans the next sentence, but also helping to signal that something important is coming up next.
Public speakers are often taught that they should avoid hesitation sounds, because the little "ah" and "um" sounds make one look sloppy and unprepared. However, there is evidence that the total elimination of them may actually be counterproductive and reduce listening comprehension by making everything come out at the same level.
One thing that really caught my note as a writer of speculative fiction -- the comment about humans not being able to plan whole passages of speech and spool them off in a continuous smooth flow of words. I immediately that a machine entity -- an AI or a post-biological human being -- might well be able to, but when dealing with bios would want to avoid doing so in order to prevent Uncanny Valley responses. It might well be something I'll want to keep in mind when I write further stories of the Chaffee Artilect -- might he get caught out and exposed at some point in just that manner while running a biological avatar?