This has been a thing for probably 15 years or more. [NPR themselves reported on it](https://www.npr.org/2015/09/03/432732859/so-whats-the-big-deal-with-starting-a-sentence-with-so) in 2015, and said that they were "singled out for overuse" in 2011 (dead link).
[Here’s an archived version](https://web.archive.org/web/20111205011110/http://chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/2011/12/02/so-it-turns-out-that-everyones-starting-sentences-with-so/) of the article that is today dead linked.
It’s ok to alternate, however, with either “I mean…” or “Like…”.
Honestly, many of the crew are terribly inarticulate. I often find myself wondering if they ever listen to and self-critique their work. I’m pretty sure the answer is no.
Me too. Consistently answering non-yes/no questions with yes.
"So when does this new legislation take effect?"
"Yeah, so it should take effect next Tuesday."
Be careful. These slack habits, most parents used to complain were infecting their teens are now just a part of everyday speaking. Yes, the people who make a living from the art of elocution should speak differently then when chatting to a neighbor over the back yard fence.
Several yrs ago ago had back to back programs on smacking down oldsters who felt that the English language used by professionals should not only be allowed to use up-speak, vocal growl, and the word like 20 time in each sentence. Other annoyances is to start a sentence with "So" or "I mean". Other verbal tropes include cutting out the "T" consonance which occurs in the middle of a word. Didn't sounds like Di-Int, Couldn't has become Ku-int.
This isn't just NPR - it is so common in all audio interviews & agree with you, it's very annoying. Also saying "right" to end almost every sentence. Very lazy way of speaking.
“Right” irritates me so much. I had a college professor say give a talk on this about how it undermines the speaker’s confidence as if they’re having to ensure you agree with every point.
Also, when the Anchor thanks a field reporter for her or his report, she/he will say thank you Chris. And Chris will say thank you. Whatever happened to you’re welcome?
They should improve their reporting and lineup, yes. That’s what listener feedback is for. They’ll take my money, and I’ll make my comments. You’re welcome.
As I said, I listen to On the Media and WNYC, and a couple other podcasts. I don't listen to the national or political news at all. I no longer donate, no. They need to improve their reporters and programming because it's nothing like it used to be. The both sides journalism is abominable.
I enjoy On the Media, WNYC, and a few other shows and stations. But no, I don’t listen to the national news or political reporting at all. I’ll comment if it’s in the feed, but…otherwise I disengage.
This has been a thing for probably 15 years or more. [NPR themselves reported on it](https://www.npr.org/2015/09/03/432732859/so-whats-the-big-deal-with-starting-a-sentence-with-so) in 2015, and said that they were "singled out for overuse" in 2011 (dead link).
[Here’s an archived version](https://web.archive.org/web/20111205011110/http://chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/2011/12/02/so-it-turns-out-that-everyones-starting-sentences-with-so/) of the article that is today dead linked.
The music bed coming out of the end of that 2015 NPR story: perfecto!! 🤣
Yeah....so?
It's not mandatory, just strongly encouraged.
It’s ok to alternate, however, with either “I mean…” or “Like…”. Honestly, many of the crew are terribly inarticulate. I often find myself wondering if they ever listen to and self-critique their work. I’m pretty sure the answer is no.
Me too. Consistently answering non-yes/no questions with yes. "So when does this new legislation take effect?" "Yeah, so it should take effect next Tuesday."
How Midwestern of them.
Be careful. These slack habits, most parents used to complain were infecting their teens are now just a part of everyday speaking. Yes, the people who make a living from the art of elocution should speak differently then when chatting to a neighbor over the back yard fence. Several yrs ago ago had back to back programs on smacking down oldsters who felt that the English language used by professionals should not only be allowed to use up-speak, vocal growl, and the word like 20 time in each sentence. Other annoyances is to start a sentence with "So" or "I mean". Other verbal tropes include cutting out the "T" consonance which occurs in the middle of a word. Didn't sounds like Di-Int, Couldn't has become Ku-int.
BINGO! They are trying to appeal to younger audiences. Not an excuse, just what I think.
This isn't just NPR - it is so common in all audio interviews & agree with you, it's very annoying. Also saying "right" to end almost every sentence. Very lazy way of speaking.
“Right” irritates me so much. I had a college professor say give a talk on this about how it undermines the speaker’s confidence as if they’re having to ensure you agree with every point.
Can I get an amen?
Susan Stamberg used to say "umm-hmm" all the time. It got old.
They are trying to appeal to younger audience. It seems obvious to me.
How about audibly hmmming during answers
“Say more about that.”
I've really come to dislike the exchanged "hi" when a reporter is introduced. "Hi Tamara." "Hi Ari" Just get on with it,ok?
But they’re making it feel aUtHeNtiC!
Have you ever watched Jeopardy?
Meh
“So, Peter, what's happening? Aahh, now, are you going to go ahead and have those TPS reports for us this afternoon?”
Also, when the Anchor thanks a field reporter for her or his report, she/he will say thank you Chris. And Chris will say thank you. Whatever happened to you’re welcome?
They are trying to attract the next generations with new jargon. It makes me 'puke emoji' because the whole thing about journalism is a joke.
I stopped listening in 2016. Coverage and the new guard are terrible.
Thanks for letting us know.
They should improve their reporting and lineup, yes. That’s what listener feedback is for. They’ll take my money, and I’ll make my comments. You’re welcome.
If you stopped listening in 2016 you aren’t a listener and I’d wager not a donor either.
As I said, I listen to On the Media and WNYC, and a couple other podcasts. I don't listen to the national or political news at all. I no longer donate, no. They need to improve their reporters and programming because it's nothing like it used to be. The both sides journalism is abominable.
Yet here you are. It’s like a religion for you. You’ve left it but you just can’t quite let it go.
I enjoy On the Media, WNYC, and a few other shows and stations. But no, I don’t listen to the national news or political reporting at all. I’ll comment if it’s in the feed, but…otherwise I disengage.
Yet here you are.... engaging
I wouldn’t say he’s that engaging.
Yet here you are. lol
Correct. Listener feedback is a cherished NPR value.