What are the most effective ways to measure filler words in oral communication?

1 Why measure filler words?

The first question you might ask is why bother measuring filler words at all? Aren't they just harmless habits that everyone has? Well, not exactly. While filler words are normal and acceptable in casual and informal settings, they can become problematic in more professional and formal situations, such as presentations, interviews, negotiations, or meetings. Filler words can distract your audience, weaken your message, and undermine your authority. They can also indicate that you are nervous, unprepared, or unsure of what you are saying. By measuring filler words, you can become more aware of your own speech patterns, identify the situations and topics that trigger more filler words, and work on reducing them or replacing them with more meaningful expressions.

2 How to measure filler words?

There are various methods and tools that you can use to measure filler words in your oral communication. Self-monitoring, for instance, involves listening to yourself or recording yourself and counting the number of filler words. Additionally, you should pay attention to the factors that influence your use of filler words, such as your mood, audience, purpose, and content. Furthermore, seeking feedback from a friend, colleague, coach, or mentor can be helpful in gaining an external perspective and validation of your speech. Lastly, software programs and apps such as LikeSo, UmCounter, SpeechIQ, or Orai can provide more accurate and objective measurements and save time and effort.

3 How to interpret filler words?

Measuring filler words is the first step in understanding their impact on your oral communication. It’s important to consider the context of your speech, as filler words are more expected and less harmful in informal and spontaneous settings than in formal and prepared ones. Additionally, recognize the function of your filler words – are they serving as placeholders or connectors? Lastly, monitor the frequency of your filler words. Aim for less than 5% of your total words, as too many can become distracting. Adjust your expectations and goals accordingly, and evaluate your filler words to ensure they are helpful in achieving them.

4 How to reduce filler words?

If you find that your filler words are excessive, inappropriate, or detrimental to your oral communication, you might want to reduce them or eliminate them altogether. To do this, you can practice your speech in front of a mirror, a recorder, or a friend. Rehearsing your content, structure, and delivery in different scenarios and situations can help you become more confident and fluent. Additionally, pausing in your speech at the end of a sentence, paragraph, or section can give you time to think and breathe. You can also replace your filler words with transitional words or phrases such as "however", "therefore", or "in conclusion". Furthermore, vocal variety or nonverbal cues such as changes in pitch or gestures can be used to replace filler words. With these strategies you can improve your preparation and performance, clarity and impact, coherence and rapport.

5 How to use filler words?

If you find that your filler words are not a major issue, or that they can actually enhance your oral communication, you might want to use them or keep them in your speech. To do this, it's important to adapt your filler words to the style and tone of your audience and purpose. Additionally, you should strive to balance your filler words with other words and sounds, as well as silence and pauses. Lastly, enjoy your filler words as part of your unique and personal style. This will help you be more appropriate and effective in your speech, as well as confident and relaxed in your communication.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?