I caught an interview of Terry Gross by Bob Edwards on XMPR. It was an interesting turn to hear Terry be interviewed rather than be the one conducting the interview.

To hear her discuss the interviews that didn't go so well was a revealing and rare glance into a woman I have grown up listening to on Fresh Air. One of the things that I have noticed that was not discussed is what I believe (unfounded) to be an intentional stammer.

No one probably has ever noticed this. Probably this is just something I made up. I have noticed though in order to soften some of her more difficult questions to some artists and celebrities on her show she will seem to reach around for the right word and even stammer a little bit.

I can't imagine that such an accomplished and prepared interviewer would not know exactly what to say. Therefore, I am forced to conclude that she must do this intentionally.

That is my theory, and I am sticking to it until I hear differently.