...of starting every answer with the word SO???? And would it be wrong of me to throttle the very life out of them for doing it?

So, you want to know if I have the answer? And, you think I'd tell you? Well, all I can say, at this time, is no.
 

So ... you're asking what?  why am I coughing all of a sudden, is this an asthma attack?

SO WHAT?

Like I um know what you are like so trying to um like say so like
um...whatcha like um gunna like say when they um like ask you
um why you like strangled that um idjit? Whatever.....

So...  mostly it's to give the speaker a few valuable seconds to possibly come up with a wittier response?
 
One could also substitute the word "Well......" just as easily....
 
I find that a thoughtful... "hummmmmmmmm" while looking interested works even better,,, and rubbing the chin/beard adds the theatrical to it...

Is this a sewing so-ing thread now?
 
(Or is it slowly becoming a so-so thread?)

So, what you are saying is.....  they teach this in effective customer communications...this is a common way of defusing tense situations with angry customers... so,  I guess this would piss you off more 
 
JR

Duh, I prefer to preface my answers with the word, "Duh."  It helps to set the proper expectations.

UbiquitousBubba
Duh, I prefer to preface my answers with the word, "Duh."  It helps to set the proper expectations.

No duh??!