How to get rid of filler words

Material updated on March 19, 2024

Contents: 

• What are filler words
• Why do people use them
• How to get rid of filler words. 10 Methods
• Useful resources from the editors of Skillbox.by

How often do we use filler words like "uh," "well," "like," "in short," "you know," "that is"? They clutter our speech, sound unintelligible, and distract the listener from the main content. We will analyze methods that will allow you to speak more clearly and confidently.

What are filler words?

Filler words are lexical meanings that carry no semantic load. They are used to fill pauses or express thoughts. They complicate speech and distract the attention of listeners, which can reduce the effectiveness of communication, especially in a professional environment where clarity and precision of expression are required.

Conventionally, filler words can be divided into two main groups, namely:

• those that are used to speed up speech: “like”, “in short”;
• those that reflect emotions:“really”, “brutal”.

Why do people use filler words

People can use filler words for various reasons - to speed up speech, express emotions, enhance evaluation, or attract the attention of the interlocutor.

This may be due to a lack of self-confidence or the fear that speech without using such words will sound unconvincing. People use filler words to fill pauses during a conversation or to search for an appropriate statement in situations when they do not feel comfortable or are not ready to speak. It can also be a communication style or a habit that a person has picked up from their environment.

Using filler words can negatively affect the perception of speech. Listeners may get the impression that a person is unsure of themselves and indecisive. This can reduce the significance of their statements and the effectiveness of communication. Therefore, in professional communication, you should try to minimize the use of filler words and develop a clear and confident expression of thoughts.

How to get rid of filler words. 10 methods

To get rid of filler words, first of all, set yourself this goal. Gradually reduce their use and reward yourself for each progress.

Let's consider 10 basic methods that will help make your speech more literate:

• Identify which filler words you use most often.Write these words down and try to reduce their use by 50% in the first week. Set the bar higher each week and continue working on reducing filler words.
• Practice speaking.Speak and read aloud, record your voice on a voice recorder and listen to it. Determine when and how many times you use filler words.
• Listen to other people.Listen to competent speakers to make your speech more competent.
• Choose alternatives.Study synonyms and choosemore pleasant alternatives to replace filler words.
• Structure your speech.Try to plan your speech in advance and determine what key ideas you want to express. Break them down into separate points and use connecting words to move from one idea to another. This will help avoid rambling and reduce the use of filler words.
• Adjust the speed of your speech.We often use filler words when we are looking for time to think. If you speak slowly and clearly, you will have more time to choose the right words.
• Pay attention to your breathing.Sometimes we use filler words when we want to pause to inhale or exhale. If you learn to breathe correctly and control your breathing, you will be able to speak more confidently.
• Practice open manifestation. Try speaking without preparation - this will help develop your thinking skills.
• Expand your vocabulary.Read books, learn the meaning of unfamiliar words, communicate with new people - this will help expand your vocabulary.
• Take public speaking courses and take acting classes.Such courses offer practical exercises and techniques that will teach you to speak more competently and confidently, use the correct intonation and expressiveness. Such classes will help improve your speech and get rid of filler words.

Useful resources from the editors of Skillbox.by

Keep in mind that you won't be able to get rid of filler words in a couple of days. It's okay if they appear in your speech from time to time. Allow yourself to rest, celebrate your achievements and progress, and do something enjoyable for yourself every time you achieve a new success.

To make it even easier, we have collected several useful books for you to study:

• James Borg "Secrets of Communication. The Magic of Words";
• Akash Karia "Inspire with Your Speech";
• Lev Vygotsky "Thinking and Speech".