I listened to a reporter being interviewed on the radio. The reporter’s response to every question the anchor asked began this way: “Yeah. So, — ”

Without fail.

Every response.

I began to listen for that intro instead of listening to the content of the answer.

That introductory phrase is common these days. It’s rampant in reporting and academia. It seems to be a short form of, “I understand the question. It’s a good one. I have an answer. I’m putting together the best words to convey that answer.”

All good things. But it’s unnecessary verbal filler.

Even worse, it becomes a distracting pattern.

Whether you’re in the Q&A business or not, it’s useful to be aware of our own patterns and idiosyncrasies. We all have them.

If yours distracts listeners from what you’re trying to say, it might be time to retire the habit.