How To Stop Saying "Um," "Like," And "You Know"

How to Stop Saying "Um", "Like", and "You Know" Many of us use filler words

Effective communication is essential for making a strong impression during presentations, interviews, or everyday conversations. According to Duarte (2010, p. 45), eliminating filler words such as "um," "like," and "you know" can significantly enhance clarity and confidence in speech. These fillers often indicate uncertainty and can distract listeners from the message being conveyed. To improve, I plan to become more aware of my speaking habits by recording and reviewing my presentations, noting the frequency of such fillers. Additionally, employing pauses intentionally instead of filler words allows me to gather my thoughts and speak more deliberately. Recognizing my thinking words—such as "so," "well," or "actually"—is crucial because they can either add emphasis or clutter my message. Practicing mindfulness and preparation will help me reduce reliance on filler words, which is especially beneficial when asking for a raise or during a job interview, as it conveys confidence and professionalism.

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In the realm of public speaking and professional communication, avoiding filler words such as "um," "like," and "you know" is essential for establishing credibility and engaging an audience effectively. These words often serve as verbal crutches that undermine perceived confidence, making speakers appear unsure or unprepared. Research indicates that conscious awareness and deliberate practice are key strategies in reducing these fillers (Duarte, 2010). One effective method is recording oneself during rehearsals or presentations to identify patterns of filler usage, then intentionally pausing to collect thoughts instead of defaulting to these words. Analyzing past presentations and counting occurrences of filler words provides insight into habits that require adjustment. This process also enhances self-awareness and improves overall delivery. Furthermore, recognizing one's "thinking words," or habitual fillers, enables speakers to replace them with moments of silence, which project confidence and facilitate clearer communication. These skills are particularly valuable in high-stakes situations like job interviews or salary negotiations, where composure and eloquence influence outcomes. Developing a vocabulary of assertive, purposeful language reinforces professionalism and helps persuade stakeholders more effectively (Gallo, 2014, p. 72). Ultimately, minimizing filler words and consciously employing strategic pauses can elevate one's speech and leave a lasting positive impression.

References

• Duarte, N. (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. Wiley.
• Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. St. Martin’s Press.
• McKee, R. (2018). Storynomics: Story-Driven Marketing in the Post-Advertising World. Pearson Education.
• Reynolds, G. (2011). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. New Riders.
• Segal, J. (2020). How to Stop Saying "Um" and "Like" in Your Speeches. MindTools.
• Tracy, B. (2010). Speak to Win: How to Present with Power and Impact. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
• O’Connor, P. (2017). The Art of Public Speaking. Oxford University Press.
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