Filler words or phrases in English:

1. can show you are listening and paying attention

2. can buy time in order to think about how to respond

3. can demonstrate someone is unprepared or nervous

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to using different fillers in different situations. It would be very unusual to have a conversation with a fluent English speaker who didn't use any fillers or sounds to demonstrate that they are listening. Some sounds and words we use in English to show we are listening are:

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Sometimes you will be asked a difficult question or even a surprising one, and you will need to think about how to answer. In this situation, fillers are useful and you will hear fluent speakers use them all the time. If you're buying time or thinking about how to respond, you can use the following:

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Or you might say one of the following and repeat whatever question you are asked:

• So, what you're saying is...

• You mean...?

• If I understand you...

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Or repeat the questions and add 'well':

• Do I think we can have this finished in a month? Well...I'm not entirely sure.

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Or clarify understanding:

• Do you follow?

• Do you know what I mean?

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Some fillers show nervousness or can indicate that someone is under-prepared. These kinds of fillers don't have much meaning and are usually just sounds. They can have a negative impact if you are making a presentation or reporting to a group, so it can be useful to practice your speech or presentation without using them:

• Ehhh...

• Umm...

• Emm...

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Fillers are used all the time in English and knowing how and when to use them and understand them will help you sound more fluent and in command of the language.