Most people don’t even realize they use filler words, which refer to ah, um, so, you know, and any words or sounds that “fill” the time but do not add value to your presentation. Develop 3 habits:
- Review a recording of your presentation’s um, ahs. Don’t rely on AI-generated transcripts; AI doesn’t pick up filler words well. And unless you think it’s helpful, avoid having someone count the number of your fillers; instead, have them provide a few whole sentence examples where you used them.
- The goal should not be to eliminate filler words because retaining some adds to authenticity, e.g. storytellers love to start with “so” and conversational orators know to interject with Um when speaking impromptu to signal they’re thinking and will be speaking.
- Pause! Once you become aware of your speaking habits when it comes to filler words, it gets easier to develop the habit of pausing rather than ‘you know’. Audiences ❤️ pauses!
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