Final answer:
The verbal sounds like "uh," "er," and "um" are considered pauses in speech, which can negatively impact fluency and speaker credibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Verbal sounds such as "uh," "er," "um," "uh-huh" are often used when one is unsure.
These sounds are called pauses.
Fluency in speech is marked by the absence of these verbal fillers, which reflect interruptions in the flow of speech and can undermine the speaker's message and credibility.
Unlike dramatic pauses, which are intentional and can enhance a speech, verbal fillers occur involuntarily and are a common issue that many speakers aim to reduce through practice and self-awareness.
Not only do they detract from fluency, but they can also distract the audience and, in some cases, reduce the speaker's perceived credibility.