What Are Filler Words And How Do You Cut Them?

If you’ve ever listened to someone speak and found yourself getting distracted by their constant use of “um,” “ah,” or “like,” you’re not alone. These are examples of filler words – words or phrases that are used to fill pauses or gaps in speech. But What Are Filler Words and How Do You Cut Them? While they may seem innocuous, excessive use of filler words can make a speaker appear uncertain, unprepared, or unprofessional.

Whether you’re giving a presentation, conducting an interview, or simply having a conversation, reducing your use of filler words can help you sound more confident and polished. In this article, we’ll explore what filler words are, why they’re used, and how to cut them from your speech.

What Are Filler Words?

Filler words, also known as discourse markers, are words or phrases that are used to fill pauses or gaps in speech. They’re often used when a speaker is searching for the right word, needs time to think, or is trying to maintain the listener’s attention. Some common examples of filler words include:

• Um
• Ah
• Like
• You know
• So
• Well
• Actually
• Basically
• Right

While these words can be useful in small doses, excessive use can detract from the speaker’s message and make them appear less confident or knowledgeable.

Why Do We Use Filler Words?

There are several reasons why people use filler words in their speech. Some of the most common reasons include:

Filler Words as a Pause

Filler words can be used to fill a pause or gap in speech while the speaker is searching for the right word or trying to gather their thoughts. In these cases, filler words can help prevent awkward silence and keep the listener engaged.

Filler Words as a Signal

Filler words can also be used as a signal to indicate that the speaker is not finished speaking or needs more time to formulate their thoughts. For example, saying “um” or “ah” at the end of a sentence can signal that there is more to come.

Filler Words as a Social Cue

Filler words can also serve as a social cue, indicating to the listener that the speaker is actively engaged in the conversation and is seeking their input or feedback.

How to Cut Filler Words from Your Speech

If you’re looking to reduce your use of filler words, there are several strategies you can try. Here are some tips to help you cut filler words from your speech:

Record Yourself Speaking

One of the best ways to identify your use of filler words is to record yourself speaking and listen back to the recording. This will allow you to hear how often you use filler words and in what contexts. Once you’re aware of your tendencies, you can begin to work on reducing them.

Practice Pausing

Instead of using filler words as a pause, practice pausing naturally in your speech. This will give you time to gather your thoughts and formulate your next sentence without relying on filler words.

Focus on Your Breath

Another technique is to focus on your breath when you speak. Taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly can help you stay calm and focused, reducing the urge to use filler words.

Prepare in Advance

If you’re giving a presentation or interview, take the time to prepare in advance. This can help you feel more confident and reduce the likelihood of using filler words.

Use a Thesaurus

If you’re struggling to find the right word, try using a thesaurus to find synonyms. This can help you avoid using filler words as a crutch while searching for the right word.

Seek Feedback

Finally, seek feedback from others on your speaking habits. Ask friends or colleagues to listen to your speech and provide feedback on your use of filler words. This can help you identify patterns in your speech and provide additional insight on how to improve.

The Importance of Cutting Filler Words

Reducing your use of filler words can have a number of benefits. Here are just a few reasons why it’s worth the effort:

Improved Clarity

Reducing filler words can help improve the clarity of your speech. Without excessive filler words, your message can come across as more direct and to the point.

Enhanced Credibility

Reducing filler Increased Engagement

When you use fewer filler words, your message can be more engaging to your listeners. Without distracting filler words, your audience can focus more on your content and ideas.

Better Listening Skills

Finally, reducing your use of filler words can help you develop better listening skills. By being more intentional with your speech and focusing on your message, you can become a more active listener and improve your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we use filler words?

We use filler words as a way to fill a pause or gap in speech, signal that we’re not finished speaking, or provide a social cue to our listeners.

How can I reduce my use of filler words?

Some strategies to reduce your use of filler words include recording yourself speaking, practicing pausing naturally, focusing on your breath, preparing in advance, using a thesaurus, and seeking feedback from others.

What are some common filler words?

Common filler words include “um,” “ah,” “like,” “you know,” “so,” “well,” “actually,” “basically,” and “right.

Why is it important to cut filler words?

Reducing your use of filler words can improve the clarity and credibility of your speech, increase engagement with your listeners, and help you develop better listening skills.

Conclusion

Filler words may seem harmless, but they can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of your speech. By reducing your use of filler words, you can improve the clarity and credibility of your message, increase engagement with your listeners, and develop better communication skills. With a little practice and patience, you can cut filler words from your speech and become a more confident, polished speaker.

Remember, cutting filler words is not about eliminating all pauses or hesitations in your speech – it’s about using them intentionally and strategically. By focusing on your message and being mindful of your speech patterns, you can reduce your use of filler words and become a more effective communicator.

In conclusion, filler words are a common habit that many of us have when speaking, but they can detract from the clarity and impact of our message. By identifying your use of filler words and implementing strategies to reduce them, you can improve your communication skills and become a more confident and effective speaker. So the next time you’re preparing for a presentation or having a conversation, take a moment to reflect on your speech patterns and consider how you can reduce your use of filler words to make your message more clear and engaging.