Certified Travel Associate Practice

What is the term for words or phrases tacked on to the end of statements that disrupt the flow of speech from one thought to the next?

1. Clarity

2. Completeness

3. Verbal disrupter

4. Verbalized pause

The correct answer is: Verbal disrupter

The term "verbal disrupter" accurately captures the concept of words or phrases that interrupt the continuity of a conversation or speech. Verbal disrupters often include fillers such as "um," "like," "you know," or other similar expressions. These disrupt the flow of ideas, causing the speaker to lose their train of thought or making it harder for the listener to follow the conversation smoothly. Recognizing and minimizing the use of such disrupters is essential for effective communication and maintaining engagement with the audience. Clarity and completeness refer to the overall messaging quality, focusing on conveying information effectively without necessarily addressing the interruptions caused by certain phrases. The term "verbalized pause" suggests a deliberate pause in speech rather than a disruption, which further differentiates it from what the question describes. Thus, the term "verbal disrupter" most accurately denotes the concept of interruptive elements in speech.