Filler

A filler is a word or phrase used to fill pauses in speech. Like hedges, they may also be used to avoid having to make a definite statement or commitment.

While many people feel awkward if they have to pause while speaking and therefore prefer to preempt an embarrassing silence using fillers or hesitation markers, communication experts actually recommend a silent pause as it gives the speaker a chance to think of what to say next, and the listener a chance to "catch up", especially if they are following instructions.

Typical filler words

 * basically
 * really
 * like
 * well

Typical filler phrases

 * I mean
 * In fact
 * You know (what I mean)