Listen to Americans talk at home and you hear "um," "like," "kind of" and "just" everywhere. Many learners think these words are bad English, so they never use them. Then their requests sound too direct: "Give me the salt." "Open the window." In many languages that is fine with a kind tone, so learners translate it word for word. In this episode: • Fillers: small sounds that hold your turn • Hedges: making a statement less strong • Softeners: making requests friendly • Why americans hedge • Natural, not hesitant • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: um (UHM) — I'm thinking (casual). "Um, I think it's on Tuesday." like — I'm thinking, or I'm giving an example (casual). "It was, like, really cold." like — about, more or less. "I'll be there in like ten minutes." you know — you understand me (casual). "We need, you know, the thing for the sink." I mean — let me say it better (casual). "It's fine. I mean, it's a little small." well — I'm starting an answer, often a soft no. "Well, I'm kind of busy." so — I'm starting a new topic. "So, how was your weekend?" let me see / let me think — I need a second (neutral, good at work too). kind of (KY-nuh) — a little, somewhat (casual). "I'm kind of tired." sort of (SOR-duh) — the same meaning. "It's sort of far." maybe — perhaps. "Maybe we should leave early." I think — my opinion, softly. "I think the store closes at nine." probably (PRAH-bub-lee) — very likely. "She's probably asleep." pretty — quite, fairly (casual). "The test was pretty easy." not really — no, softly. "Do you like it?" "Not really." Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.