In radio we call them crutches. That go to place in a talking break that sounds more like a time killer then a physical connection with listeners. Radio isn't the only game playing the same. As creative minds and builders there's something you do in your everyday that puts movement through your journey forward. Look at the way we treat people when we believe the conversation is over. We use vocal tones as a crutch. It signals the passerby that we're pretty much done. Grocery store checkout clerks say the same thing over and over again to their customers. It's a crutch! Instead of engaging in brand new conversation they rely on whatever it takes to make the line shorter. I usually choose to break the ice first by asking them questions about the outside world. Then I rely on my own crutches to pull a smile from their company cover. Which is the reason why I love sharing conversations with the nations top comedians. They've mastered the art of connection by way of listening then growing into a small collection of thoughts which leads to the passerby to be eased into something new. Doctors and Dentists are totally addicted to crutches. Mechanics and car salespeople are horrible with crutches. Are you aware of what's making you stale? Me asking questions all the time. A total crutch!