Why do so many people unintentionally make the noises ‘erm’ and ‘uhm’ when making speeches or presentations?
It comes from two conflicting things within a persons mind. The belief that silence is a bad thing at a time when people should be talking, and the fact that the mind takes time to think. Thus when someone is thinking about what they want to say next, instead of having silence (which subconscious…
The Short Answer
It comes from two conflicting things within a persons mind. The belief that silence is a bad thing at a time when people should be talking, and the fact that the mind takes time to think. Thus when someone is thinking about what they want to say next, instead of having silence (which subconsciously is seen as bad) they fill that thinking time with noise. That noise is the 'erms' and 'uhs'.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Time, mind, silence
This explanation focuses on time, mind, silence and spans 72 words across 4 sentences. The depth is typical for History questions (category average: 72 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “It comes from two conflicting things within a persons mind.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in History
Ranked #218 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 44%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why so many people unintentionally make the noises 'erm' and 'uhm' when making speeches or presentations?
It comes from two conflicting things within a persons mind. The belief that silence is a bad thing at a time when people should be talking, and the fact that the mind takes time to think. Thus when someone is thinking about what they want to say…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?
This is an above-average answer at 72 words, ranked #218 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are time, mind, silence.
What approach does this answer take to explain so many people unintentionally make the noises 'erm' and 'uh?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 72 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.