Use English "filler words" to buy time to think without losing the listener's attention.
Avoid using native hesitation sounds like "Eto..." or "Ano...".
Signal clearly that you are actively processing a question.
BENEFITS
Avoid awkward silences that make you look unprepared or confused.
Phrases like "Let me see..." signal that you are thinking actively and keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.
Maintains your professional image and confidence during difficult questions.
Key Hesitation Phrases
Short Fillers:
"Well..."
"Actually..."
"Let me see..."
"Let me think..."
Longer Phrases (To Buy More Time):
"That's a good question."
"Let me think about that for a moment."
"How should I put this?" (Use when trying to find the right words)
Sample Interaction
Scenario: Fact Checking
A: When did your company start?
B: Let me see. I think it was 1945.
Self-Study Training Task
The "No Silence" Drill: Ask yourself a difficult question (e.g., "What is the future of AI?"). Before answering, force yourself to say "That's a good question, let me see..." slowly.
Replace Native Fillers: Catch yourself saying "Eto..." or "Ano..." and immediately replace them with "Well..." or "Let me think..."
The Pause: Don't rush. Say a hesitation phrase, take a breath, and then give your answer. This makes you look confident, not panicked.
Final Assessment
I can use "Let me see" instead of silence when I am thinking.
I have stopped using hesitation sounds from my native language (Eto/Ano).
I can use "That's a good question" to buy 3-5 seconds of thinking time naturally.
I remain calm and maintain eye contact while hesitating.
I have memorized at least three different phrases to use when I need to buy time.