From “Umm” to “I Got This”: How to Improve Your Communication in Interviews

Interviews are your chance to showcase your skills, confidence, and professionalism. But if your responses are filled with “umm,” “uhh,” or “like,” you might be hurting your chances of getting hired without even realizing it.

The good news? You can train yourself to speak confidently and clearly using the right strategies.

In this guide, we’ll break down why filler words hurt your interview performance and how to eliminate them with simple but effective exercises.

Why Filler Words Like “Umm” and “Uhh” Cost You the Job

Filler words influence the interviewer’s perception of you—and not in a good way. Here’s what too many “umms” might signal to hiring managers:

? Lack of Confidence – Frequent “umms” make you sound unsure or uncertain about your answers.

? Unpreparedness – Hesitation and filler words suggest you haven’t prepared well or don’t know your own experience clearly.

? Weak Communication Skills – Roles that require strong communication (client interactions, presentations, teamwork) demand clarity—excessive filler words raise doubts about your ability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminating “Umm” from Your Speech

Step 1: Record Yourself Speaking

Before you fix a problem, you need to identify it. Recording yourself helps you analyze your answers and pinpoint mistakes.

? Action – Pick a few common interview questions in your field and record yourself answering them. Count how many times you say “umm” or other filler words. Then, try again without them.

Step 2: Practice the Pause & Breathe Technique

Most people use filler words when thinking, without realizing it. Instead of saying “umm,” train yourself to pause.

? Tip – A brief 3–4 second silence sounds more thoughtful than filler words. ? Exercise – While practising, force yourself to pause when you need to gather your thoughts. With enough repetition, it will feel natural.

Step 3: Use Answer Frameworks

Having a structured approach to answering questions reduces hesitation. Use frameworks like STAR (Situation - Task - Action - Result) or CAR (Context - Action - Result) to form clear, logical responses.

? STAR Framework Example:

• S – Situation → Describe the context of the problem.
• T – Task → Explain your role or responsibility.
• A – Action → Detail the steps you took.
• R – Result → Share the outcome or impact.

? Exercise – Pick a question and practice explaining it logically using STAR. A well-structured answer naturally reduces the need for filler words.

Step 4: Slow Down Your Speech

Nervousness often leads to rushed speech, which increases hesitation and filler words. Slowing down allows your brain to process your thoughts before speaking.

? Tip – Practice reading a paragraph aloud at half your normal speed. This builds awareness of your pacing and helps eliminate filler words.

Step 5: Mock Interviews with AI or Industry Experts

The best way to improve? Simulate a real interview experience. Practising in an actual interview setting helps build confidence and reduce hesitation.

? Solution – InterviewBuddy offers mock interview sessions with AI or real industry experts who provide personalized feedback to refine your answers.

? Tip – Book a mock interview session and focus specifically on reducing filler words.

Final Thoughts: Speak Clearly and Get Hired Faster

Confident, clear communication sets you apart from other candidates. By eliminating filler words and structuring your answers effectively, you’ll sound more professional, polished, and prepared for the job.

?? Take the Smart Shortcut – Get Interview-Ready with InterviewBuddy!

Book a live one-on-one mock interview with experts in your field and get personalized feedback on your performance.

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