So, um... should we talk about filler words?
How to reduce your filler words so you can increase your impact
What are filler words?
Any word, phrase, or sound that takes up space but doesn’t add meaning to your message:
Um…
Uh…
Like…
You know?
Okay.
So…
Right?
Err…
I mean…
Well…
And so…
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but did you spot any culprits?
What’s the problem with filler words?
Mainly that they add words without adding meaning.
You force your listeners to spend valuable mental energy processing words that don’t get them closer to understanding.
Think of them like potholes.
Each time you use a filler word, you ‘trip’ your listener. You interrupt their listening flow.
It’s generally agreed upon that effective communication is concise, and filler words are the antithesis of concise.
And, in certain scenarios, they may lead to you being perceived as incompetent, unprepared, or nervous.
In the five years I’ve been coaching people on how to speak without filler words, I’ve settled on a few insights and activities that have proven beneficial for most. I want to share those with you now.
1/ You NEED to hear yourself using filler words.
You can’t change something you’re not aware of.
Most of the people I coach aren’t aware of what filler words they use, how often they use them, and where they use them.
I give them the gift of awareness.
But you don’t need me. You can do this for yourself.
Step 1: Record yourself speaking. This could be a recording of a coaching session (in-person or virtual), team meeting, presentation, conversation, etc. The one caveat is to record a typical communication. You want the recording to capture your natural speaking habits.
Step 2: Transcribe two to four minutes of your recording by hand. This means, on a piece of paper, write down every single word and sound that comes out of your mouth in that two to four minute time span.
Step 3: Once you’ve transcribed a two to four minute section of your recording, with a colored pen, circle every filler word and sound.
Step 4: Then, take notes. Answer three questions: (1) What filler words do I use? (2) How often do I use each of them? (3) Where do I use them? - To start a thought, mid-thought, to finish a thought, or to connect two thoughts.
Step 5: Read your transcription out loud (1) with the filler words, then (2) without the filler words. The purpose of doing this is to hear how much more competent and clear you sound when you speak without filler words.
Here’s a real life example…
Watch/listen to this video from 20:15 through 22:15 (2 minutes):
If you were to transcribe every word and sound that came out of Joel’s mouth, here’s what it would look like:
If I were coaching Joel, showing him this transcription would be incredibly helpful and motivating (that’s 24 filler words in two minutes).
He’d be able to determine which filler words he uses, how often he uses each of them, and where he uses them.
This awareness would be critical in Joel breaking this habit.
If you try this exercise, please email me at FitToSpeak@gmail.com to share your experience.
2/ You NEED to build a new habit to replace your filler word habit.
Once you’re aware of your filler words, you’re probably asking: “How do I get rid of them?”
I like to say that it’s easier to build a new habit than break and old one.
Therefore, you’re going to need to build a habit of pausing.
👉 Pausing before you start a thought.
👉 Pausing if you’re struggling to find a word mid-thought.
👉 Pausing at the end of a tought.
Think of these (brief) silent pauses as a form of verbal punctuation.
Verbal Punctuation is the name of the tool I use to teach people how to pause throughout their speaking.
Let me ask you a question…
Do you use punctuation (commas, period, etc.) when you write?
Yes! Of course.
Why do you use punctuation?
Mainly, to help your reader know when one point ends and another begins. Without punctuation, you’d have run-on sentences.
Isn’t the same true for speaking?
Isn’t it important to use verbal punctuation to help your listeners know when one thought ends and another begins?
Yes! Of course.
The most obvious form of verbal punctuation is a pause in silence. A short silent pause acts as a comma (,) and a longer silent pause acts as a period (.).
Aside from creating structure for your listeners, these pauses will replace most — if not all — of your filler words.
The majority of your filler words happen at the start and/or end of a thought.
If you build a habit of pausing (briefly) in silence before and after sharing a thought, you will use far less filler words.
If you choose to practice using verbal punctuation, beware that your speaking might feel/sound choppy for a short while. This should be expected and accepted.
You’re learning a new skill, go easy on yourself.
Soon enough, with consistent practice, you’ll be speaking smoothly without filler words.
3/ You NEED to practice daily.
Shinichi Suzuki once said, “Practice only on the days you eat.” 😁
Each time you open your mouth to speak is an opportunity to practice speaking without filler words — to practice verbal punctuation.
This isn’t a skill reserved for ‘formal’ speaking scenarios.
Speaking without filler words is a life skill that can improve your personal and professional relationships and endeavors.
How?
By bringing more clarity to your messages.
Clarity that allows your listeners to easily follow along with and grasp what it is you’re sharing with them.
Two practice opportunities:
1 / Take my self-directed Speak Without Filler Words e-learning workshop: https://fittospeak.mykajabi.com/offers/JPai6JdR/checkout
2/ Attend one of my weekly Speak Without Filler Words live 90-minute virtual workshops: https://fit-to-speak.com/offerings
In closing…
Professionals who speak without filler words sound clear, competent, and they deliver messages that are easier to follow and act on.
Speaking without filler words is a worthy pursuit, and one that can be mastered with a plan and dedication to practice.
If you try out any of the exercises I outlined in this post, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share them with me: FitToSpeak@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this, please hit the ❤️ button and share it with another fitness, sport, or health professional.
-Jenny