Final answer:
The speaker's use of pauses and verbal fillers like "ummm" and "hmmm" indicate fluency issues which can distract from their message. Practice and self-awareness can improve speech fluency, along with effective use of gestures and expressions to engage the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pauses and sounds made by the speaker you described during a presentation, such as "ummm" and "hmmm," are examples of verbal fillers and fluency issues in speech. These unintentional pauses and fillers can detract from the fluency of speech and potentially reduce a speaker's credibility. To improve speaking fluency and reduce the occurrence of these issues, practice and self-awareness are recommended. Effective public speaking also involves the use of gestures, facial expressions, and appropriate pacing, which, when executed properly, can enhance a presentation and make it more engaging for the audience.
Speech fluency is not solely about speaking rate but rather about how effortlessly and coherently one conveys ideas. When a presenter practices their speech, they become more adept at maintaining this fluency and avoiding distracting verbal fillers. Additionally, a polished delivery incorporates gestures and expressions to reinforce the spoken word, thereby strengthening the overall impact of the presentation.