Um, We Need to Talk About "Um"

I've been working directly with clients for almost a year now. Without fail, anytime we get to the point of working on interview skills, I hear the same comment:

"I need to watch my 'ums.'"

It always stops me in my tracks. My producer mind is focused on coming up with anecdotes, supporting research, catchy one-liners or succinct sound-bytes.

But filler-words? Those are the least of my worries. In my 15-year TV career I have never thought "that guest was great, and not a single 'um'!"

I get the idea of watching for "um's". No one wants to sound ill-prepared or unfamiliar with the subject matter.

Filler words are a tell-tale sign you're still searching for how you want to answer a question. Or you're searching for the answer entirely. Too many "um's" or "ah's" will undermine your authority. And don't get me started on "like".

But watching out for these words won't help your performance. It's like when a waiter tells you to not touch a hot plate. All you can think about is touching the hot plate. You might even reach out and say "this plate?" as you feel the searing heat shoot up your arms from your fingers to your elbow.

Watching out for filler words gives them way too much power. You don't have to ban them from your speaking style.

Um, It's Not a Career-Ending Word

Everyone has some kind of verbal tick, even seasoned professionals. I worked with an on-air host who has four decades experience hosting both radio and TV. Without fail, at least once a show she would say "yeah, yeah, yeah".

It was her verbal tick as she mentally prepared herself and the guest to switch topics.

I've also worked with countless news anchors who drop the occasional "ok, but" to also mark a tone shift in an interview.

A good TV interview is informative, but also conversational. Same goes for radio and podcasting. You want to sound informed, but not as if you're presenting a thesis.

The occasional filler word can actually help you sound more "in-the-moment" and conversational. You want to make the audience feel like they're eavesdropping on the most interesting conversation at the next table. Not a fully prepared lecture delivered by a robot who never takes a breath.

Um, It's All About Preparation

Since filler words tend to pop up when you're looking for an answer, the best way to reduce their use is to prepare strong talking points. Now, this is different from preparing a script.

I recommend my clients start with a central idea for the interview. What is the one key message they want to get across? Then we flesh out different angles and anecdotes.

Instead of writing out a script to read, I have them write things out in bullet points. I also suggest shrinking the margins of the page to force themselves to think in simple sentences.

Simple sentences will be easier to remember than a fully prepared script. Map out anecdotes or ways to personalize the content. Anything to create a connection between the audience and your content.

Um, Focus on What You Want to Say, Not What You Want to Avoid

Lastly, prepare double what you'll have time to say. Adrenaline will always take over. Most people forget half of what they prepare. If you prepare only five minutes of content for a five-minute interview and forget half of it, you're opening yourself up to 2.5 minutes of filler time. And that's where filler words live.

The next time you need to prepare for an interview or public speech, start with what you can contribute. What expertise do you bring? Why should people listen to you?

Focus on this and only this. You won't have room for filler words.