Get rid of those filler words!
Four easy steps that will change your presentations
We have all attended this presentation where the speaker constantly uses filler words.
"Good afternoon, everyone. So, um, today I want to talk about the importance of innovation in, like, our industry. You know, it's really essential for us to, basically, stay ahead of the competition. I mean, if we don’t embrace new technologies, we could, like, fall behind. And, uh, what I’m trying to say is that, literally, every company is looking for ways to, you know, improve their processes and, like, enhance customer experience. So, let’s dive into some strategies that can help us,kind of, push the boundaries of what we think is possible."
In this example, you can see how the filler words create pauses and give the speaker time to think, but they can also detract from the overall message.
While some argue that filler words can make speech sound more natural, excessive use can distract the audience and dilute the message. They can create an impression of nervousness or lack of confidence, making it essential for speakers to be aware of their usage and to practice reducing them in formal settings.
What are the most commonly used filler words?
- Sounds: um, uh, ah, er, mm
- Words: like, you know, basically, actually, literally, so, right
- Phrases: I mean, you see, kind of
How can you get rid of them?
- Slow down: When we get nervous, we tend to talk faster. Slow down, take your time. There is no need to rush.
- Pause: instead of using filler words, allow silence to give you time to think, and you will see that it enhances the power of your message.
- Play with rhythm: Once you master slowing down and using pauses, you can start to play with rhythm. Alternate longer sentences with fewer words and more pauses or longer pauses. Alternate the loudness of your speech—sometimes loud and sometimes almost whispering.
- Practice: Recording yourself and reviewing your presentation can help identify and ultimately reduce the filler words
Which are your most used filler words? Share it in the comments.
P.S.: I frequently use "uh", "so", "basically", etc. and I'm pretty sure that there are others I'm probably not even aware of.
