How to Avoid Using Filler Words During Public Speaking
Filler words like uh, like, um and so forth are in many worldwide conversations. Although they don’t necessarily add any meaning to your statements and fill the silences between awkward pauses or when we’re trying to figure out what to say, they’re not quite fitting for public speaking and presentations.
How to Stop Using Filler Words in Your Vocabulary
Filler words aren’t a problem when they’re rarely used, but they can become one when you overuse them in professional presentations. A few of them are acceptable here and there, but when the torrent of fillers muddles your message and worsens things, you need to address the issue. You can do that in several ways, reducing or even eliminating the use of these verbal fillers, be it in everyday conversation or a formal setting. The examples below will give you a hand in eliminating filler words and becoming a more confident and fluid public speaker:
Slowing Down
Most public speakers will have psychological and physiological symptoms regarding glossophobia or the fear of public speaking. One possible side effect of feeling nervous is speeding up and using more filler words in our speech patterns. Since many people tend to do this when anxious, worried or scared, slowing down may seem hard. You can recognise and avoid the reliance on filler words if you can slow down your delivery, be it in an official setting or everyday conversation.
Slowing down your speech helps you be more aware of your thoughts and talking points, so you will find it easier to remain fluid when you do.
Pause
Instead of using fillers in your speeches, you can practise the importance of pauses in your talks. Great public speakers understand how a dramatic pause can be used to both collect your thoughts and emphasise a specific point. Becoming comfortable with silence on stage is all part of learning public speaking; they can be used to move on to the next point or hold on for a more dramatic effect. Take a deep breath, stay relaxed and focus on the crowd before moving on to the next point. Since filler words are often used, cutting them from your talks and replacing them with pauses may initially feel strange, but you can find the proper balance with some experience. It’s important to practise your presentation as often as you can, with a few rounds focused on the reliance on filler words. Actively focus on removing them from your speech, notice how much you’re using them and try to replace them with pauses or a better rhythm.
Record Yourself
Listen and see how you use filler words. It may be hard to know how you sound unless you hear yourself, so it’s important to take a step back and analyse your speech patterns. Recording yourself is a great way to approach your speech and better understand your filler words.
Use that practice and video record any key points in your speech at least 3 to 5 times, then examine the audio after each attempt and see how many fillers you’ve used. Check your body language and try to address it as well; looking more confident will help you stay focused on the task without getting distracted.
