Why do people always say "you know," when speaking colloquially?

 Replied by Michael Hudson Thru Quora

"You know' is one of many crutch words that people use when they speak because they are uncomfortable with the natural silence that occurs when we speak. It is an indication of nervousness and a lack of confidence...instead of letting the thought just shared breath and settle in with the audience, the speaker tries to fill every second with words and 'you know' is a go to phrase for many.

Two thoughts if this is a problem you have or want to make sure you don't have:

1. Record yourself speaking, listen to the recording, and track the number of times you use you know or um or ah to fill empty space
2. Develop comfort for the natural silence that is a part of effective communication and learn to leverage the power of the pause to increase your impact when you speak.

Replied by Jon Bradfield thru Quora

"You know' is one of many crutch words that people use when they speak because they are uncomfortable with the natural silence that occurs when we speak. It is an indication of nervousness and a lack of confidence...instead of letting the thought just shared breath and settle in with the audience, the speaker tries to fill every second with words and 'you know' is a go to phrase for many.

Two thoughts if this is a problem you have or want to make sure you don't have:

1. Record yourself speaking, listen to the recording, and track the number of times you use you know or um or ah to fill empty space
2. Develop comfort for the natural silence that is a part of effective communication and learn to leverage the power of the pause to increase your impact when you speak.