Which method can be used to fill the natural pauses in speech?

Verbalized pauses serve as a useful tool for filling the natural pauses that occur in speech. These pauses, often manifested as filler words such as "uh," "um," "you know," or "like," can prevent awkward silence and provide the speaker a moment to gather thoughts without losing the audience's attention. This technique can also help maintain the flow of conversation, making the speaker sound more natural and conversational.

By using verbalized pauses strategically, a speaker can convey confidence and ensure that listeners stay engaged. In contrast, options like long silences can create discomfort or disengagement, clear articulation focuses on pronouncing words clearly rather than filling gaps, and fast talking may lead to misunderstandings and missed information, undermining effective communication. Therefore, verbalized pauses strike a balance between maintaining speech flow and giving the speaker time to think.