We’ve all been there – in the middle of a presentation, and suddenly the “ums” and “ers” start flowing like a waterfall. Not only are they distracting, but they make us sound like we’re trying to summon a demon or something.

So, let’s talk about three strategies to get rid of those pesky filler words:

1. Practice, practice, practice: Like they say, practice makes perfect (or close enough). The more you rehearse your speech, the less likely you’ll be to stumble over your words. Think of it like learning to ride a bike – it might be wobbly at first, but with enough practice, you’ll be cruising along like a pro.

2  Take a deep breath: When you feel the “ums” and “ers” creeping up on you, take a deep breath instead. Not only will it calm your nerves, but it’ll give you a moment to collect your thoughts and say what you really want to say. Plus, it’s way better than sounding like a hyperventilating hamster.

3  Embrace the power of the pause: Pausing can be an effective way to give emphasis to what you’re saying, and it also gives you time to gather your thoughts. So, instead of filling the silence with filler words, take a beat and let your words sink in. Your audience will thank you for it.

With a little practice and some deep breaths, you can banish the “ums” and “ers” from your speaking repertoire. You will sound far more credible and confident  (Or at least not sound like a demon-summoning hamster.)

To Your success

Con Koutsikas
Your Public Speaking and Communication Coach