What Are Filler Words and How To Stop Using Them

Filler words are some of the most commonly used language in everyday conversation. They help transition between topics and buy time when at a loss for words. But they also take away from what a person is saying by making them sound unprepared, uninformed or uncertain. Eliminate filler words by understanding what they are and how to stop using them.

Using words like “um,” “like” and “you know” is not an uncommon habit during a presentation or conversation. Many people use filler words quite frequently without even realizing it.

Filler words are common words and phrases we lean on to fill in the gaps when speaking. They don't add any real meaning to what we say, but we often use them anyway to stall and think about what to say next.?

While filler words may not seem like a big deal, they can negatively impact how others perceive us. That’s why it is important to understand what filler words are and how to stop using them.?

What Are Filler Words?

Filler words are words that don't meaningfully contribute to what a person is saying. Examples of common filler words include “um,” “like” and “you know.”?

Diana YK Chan, an executive career and confidence coach and LinkedIn Top Voice, highlights the importance of striking filler words from speech. “To speak with confidence, you have to work on getting rid of filler words.”

While filler words seem like a harmless way to fill space in everyday speech, they can be detrimental to a person's presentation skills. That's because filler words can make you sound uncertain, unprepared and nervous.?

Why Do We Use Verbal Fillers?

We all use filler words from time to time, especially when we're nervous or under pressure. We use them to buy time or emphasize a point.?

When we meet someone new, for example, we might say “um” more often than usual. While filler words are perfectly normal, they can be problematic if overused.?

The Downsides of Relying on Filler Words

Many people use filler words when they speak, even though they may not notice they are doing it. It is perfectly normal.?

But using too many filler words can make you sound unsure of yourself. It can also make it difficult for the audience to understand the speaker.?

Think about going into a job interview and using filler words like “um” and “like” all the time. It might make you seem unprepared and uninformed about the job.?

10 Steps to Eliminating Filler Words from Your Speech

Before taking steps to eliminate filler words, it is important to recognize that people use them all the time. Once you identify your go-to filler words, you can take steps to purge them from your everyday vocabulary. Here is how to stop using filler words:

1. Take a Deep Breath

This helps you pause before speaking and allows time to think about what you want to say. Taking a deep breath also helps you to speak more slowly, which can reduce the number of filler words used.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you practice avoiding filler words, the more comfortable you will be speaking without them. If presenting, for example, practicing material ahead of time can cut down on filler words. Because you have already planned out the talking points, there will not be as many gaps to fill in with these crutch words.

3. Pause and “Chunk” Your Information

When speaking, pause a moment before beginning. This provides time for you to think about what to say. “Chunking” information is a helpful practice when presenting. By organizing the presentation into smaller parts, a speaker can pause to gather their thoughts between each section.?

4. Slow and Steady

As we mentioned before, speaking slowly can reduce the number of filler words you use. When you speak quickly, you are more likely to fill in the pauses with filler words. Keep a steady pace when speaking, and make sure to pause between thoughts.

5. Record Yourself

Recording speech is a great way to see how often you use filler words and which ones you use most. Once you identify those filler words, you can work toward eliminating them in speech.?

6. Recognize Your Frequent Fillers

Recognizing frequently used filler words can help you eliminate them from your speech. One way to do this is to come up with a list of alternative words to use instead of the filler words. For example, if “like” is a go-to filler word, try using “such as” instead.

7. Replace Filler Words with Transition Words

Another way to eliminate filler words is to replace them with transition words. Transition words help connect thoughts and make speech flow more smoothly. For example, instead of saying “um,” a person can say “anyway” or “so.”

8. Practice Mindfulness

One of the best ways to eliminate filler words is to practice mindfulness. This means being present in the moment and fully aware of your speech. When you are mindful of your speech, you are less likely to use filler words.

9. Try Not to Aim for Perfection

Remember, eliminating filler words immediately is not feasible. It takes time and practice to break the habit. Do not get discouraged.?

10. Give Yourself Little Rewards

One helpful strategy to reduce reliance on filler words is to self-reward success. Every time you manage to go without using a filler word, give yourself a point. Once you reach a certain number of points, you can reward yourself with something special.?

Final Thoughts on Filler Words

We covered everything from understanding what filler words are and why we use them to practical tips for reducing their use in everyday speech. Anyone serious about upping their presentation skills should put cutting down on filler words high on the agenda. With consistent practice and a little patience, the above tips will go a long way in helping you meet your goal.

Top Takeaways

What Are Filler Words and How to Stop Using Them

• Be aware of the filler words people tend to use. Pay attention to speech patterns and note when people use filler words. This will help you be more conscious of them and reduce their use.
• Take time when speaking. One of the main reasons we use filler words is because we feel the need to fill pauses in our speech. If you can learn to be comfortable with silence, filler word usage decreases naturally.
• Practice. The more you speak in front of an audience, the more aware you become of your dependence on filler words. That makes it easier to cut them out.?

(Reporting by NPD)