I’ve attended a couple of meetings where managers and leaders try to explain their thoughts and actions with passion and then find themselves slipping into saying “dada, dada, dada…” or a similar incoherent sound such as “blah, blah, blah”. This most likely is an evolutionary phrase from how old bosses say “etc., etc., etc.” in meetings. 

On such situations I could not help myself and ask the presenter/speaker to clarify.  The top priority of any communication is clarity and not efficiency. One can only ensure clarity if each segment of a threaded thought is properly and coherently communicated. Assuming a common understanding on what “dada, dada, dada” means; is a pitfall that leads to an unproductive meeting. Personally I feel that it is a sign of lazy thinking or fatigue, so rather than saying those incoherent words the best would be to pause then dive back in to finish the sentence or phrase properly. Shaving a couple of seconds with these “fillers” does not really translate to efficiency. It actually spawns a series of additional meetings and emails later where folks try to get better understanding of what actually occurred in the meeting. This flawed habit potentially hinders the productivity of a team. It creates an environment where misunderstandings thrive, leading to potential delays in project timelines. This flawed habit though is not just experienced in corporate venues but have also seeped into classrooms and even family discussions. 

The rule is to “use and speak your words”. A well-articulated thought in itself drives efficiency and shows a sign of respect to your audience. This rule applies to everyone and every venue where ideas are exchanged, whether it be in the meeting rooms or coffee shop or in the dining table. In a world where effective communication is crucial for successful collaboration, addressing the 'dada, dada, dada' phenomenon is just one step toward fostering a culture of clear and meaningful communication.