Lesson 3: Overuse of Filler Words
ITS NORMAL BUT IT SHOULDN’T BE: it's normal practice to overuse filler words like "um," "like," "you know," or "so" in casual conversation, doing so could decrease the impact and clarity of your communication, particularly in formal or professional contexts. Filler words frequently appear in our speech when we're anxious, unsure of what to say next, or even both. The first step to cutting back on these terms is to understand when and why you use them. Take note of any filler words you use while you film yourself giving a practice presentation or having a chat. You may identify these patterns early and make intentional changes with the support of this knowledge.
Using pauses in place of filler words is a useful tip. In addition to providing you with a chance to collect your thoughts, pauses help you feel more confident and in charge. You convey that you are speaking with thought and purpose when you pause. This approach additionally helps the audience's processing of what you are saying. I have even become more accustomed to silence by constantly practicing pausing, even if it may seem awkward at first. Give yourself pauses while reading aloud or even by giving yourself practice talks to develop this ability until it becomes more organic in your regular speech.
Concentrating on speaking more slowly is an additional useful tactic. Filler words might result from speaking too rapidly since your mind can't keep up. You may lessen your need for fillers and give yourself more time for thought by intentionally slowing down. In addition, speaking more slowly enhances pronunciation, which makes your voice seem more compelling and clear by giving your words more volume. You can try mentally counting "one, two" in between words or sentences to get better at this. You can keep a steady pace without hurrying or using fillers by using this simple reminder.
Last but not least, before you talk, try organizing your thoughts in an organized and concise way. The impulse to "think out loud" and use filler words might be reduced by planning what you want to say. To minimize the likelihood of using unnecessary words to fill in the gaps, begin with a clear introduction, key points, and conclusion in mind. Think of a train of thought and not having it derail. Using concise observations with keywords will help you stay focused and avoid using too many filler words when giving an extended talk or presentation. Reducing filler words is easier with regular practice, allowing you to communicate clearly, confidently, and precisely in any situation.
