Okay?

My friend W. made a comment to me on Monday about how annoying it is to hear people end a sentence with "okay?". I agreed with her that it was a very unattractive mannerism, compared it to using "like" and "umm" and went merrily on my way. And then...

I use "okay" constantly! I use "okay" as a signal to my students that we are about to begin. I use "okay" as a signal that I have finished giving instructions. I probably use it in about a half-dozen other occasions as well, and I'm driving myself bonkers!!

I will get this little vocal tic under control.

Yeah, right.