In the world of communication, especially professional communication, one thing that we often notice is when someone is using too many filler words. Everyone uses filler words at some point, though it can become more problematic when they begin to be overused. Filler words often appear as words or sounds such as “ummm”, “uhh”, “so”, “you know”, and “like”. These are the most common ones used, though sometimes people may also use other words as their filler words.
What are fillers (…in the Word Sense)?
We use filler words and phrases, such as um, basically, and you know to fill our pauses during speech. When we rely too much on these words in our formal and informal settings, however, we may be perceived as unconfident and unprofessional. Even worse, our message may be clouded by these overly distracting words.
For these reasons, many individuals hoping to improve their presentation and communication skills seek to eliminate these meaningless words. What is important to remember before moving towards such a goal is to realize that fillers have meaning. In fact, each filler word serves a unique role in demonstrating thoughtfulness, intensity, or exclamation. Whatever its function, fillers reveal the nuances of an interaction, bringing to light the subtle differences in the perspective and mood of the speaker. Thus, the key to effective communication isn’t in removing fillers completely from one’s speech; rather, it is in understanding the purpose of each filler word and using them appropriately.
When filler words are used here or there, where they are not coming up frequently, most often it goes unnoticed. They become noticeable when used in every sentence or every other sentence, as they may become a distraction or sound annoying to the listener when overused. When filler words are used too often it can become a problem because the person’s message will not come across the way it was intended. With added filler words the message the speaker is trying to deliver may sound less, confident, firm, and unsure. It may sound like the speaker is second guessing themselves about what they are trying to say. Though this may not always be the case, it will come across this way if filler words are used with the intended message. This will take away from the overall power of the message. If a message being delivered uses filler words it can also make the overall message less impactful and take away from the strength of the message.
One of the first steps to helping reduce or eliminate the use of filler words in speech, is becoming conscious of what filler words you are using and when they are used. Sometimes individuals may use filler words when they are nervous, when they need to buy themselves some time to think, or they can also be produced out of habit. Once someone becomes conscious of when they are using filler words, and which filler words they are using, it becomes easier to catch oneself and apply strategies to help reduce them. A good way of doing this is recording yourself when giving a presentation or speaking and seeing what kinds of filler words are being used and when they pop up.
If the individual finds out the filler words are being produced while nervous or anxious when speaking. Then the person should target reducing some of the anxiety to get in a more relaxed state of mind. Whether it is some breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, and/or reducing the physical tension they may have in the body when anxious. Feeling calmer when speaking will also allow the person to be able to focus more on being conscious of reducing their filler words, instead of feeling like they just want to get whatever they are saying over with.
Everyone uses filler words
Everyone uses filler words at some point, though it can become more problematic when they begin to be overused.
Another strategy to help reduce filler words is to slow down the rate of speech. Many individuals I see often have a fast rate, though they are not often aware of it. Some people may get feedback from others that they speak quickly, but some feel like they speak at a regular rate, though they may actually be on the quicker side. Sometimes it’s just slowing down the speech rate a bit enough for it to still sound like an appropriate rate for speaking, though this allows more time for the individual to think and pause instead of using a filler word. With fast speech rate it becomes much harder to catch these mistakes.
So, what do we do when we feel like we have to use a filler at the moment? The key is to replace the filler with something like a pause or breath. Taking the pause or breath instead of a filler word will come across a lot more put together and strong. Most often pauses after we deliver a message can add more of an impact and give the message more importance. Taking that pause can also give you more time to think about the next thing that you want to say. It is crucial for the individual to become comfortable with pauses, as some people may feel always pausing is awkward, this is something that can be achieved through consistent practice. These pauses create a moment of silence for the listener to also reflect on the last message that was delivered, as opposed to receiving too much information at once.
Sometimes we can also use words that are stronger and more powerful than the typical ‘umm’ or ‘uhh’ ’that may be used. Words such as basically, actually, or seriously can be substituted out for some of those fillers, and it will keep the strength in the message being delivered. Though it is important to make sure that these words also do not become overused and replaced as a filler word as well. Anything that is overused can become noticeable to the listener and make it more difficult to focus on the message that is being delivered.
Slowing down rate, becoming conscious of what filler words are used and why they are being used, reducing anxiety, and becoming comfortable with pauses, can all help support reducing the use of filler words in speech. Also with a conscious effort and consistent practice reducing filler words will be achieved.
Um, basically, fillers are seriously hard to avoid, because, you know, it provides time to think.
THE PURPOSE OF FILLERS
Time To Think
Let’s first examine the most frequently used fillers: um, uh, and er. These words show that the speaker is hesitant and is thinking about his response. Although a formal presentation peppered with such words may give off the impression that the speaker is unprepared or uninterested, these words used appropriately in social settings can effectively demonstrate to the listener that a thoughtful reply is in preparation. Um, in a sentence like “um, I prefer the blue shirt,” can portray the speaker’s attentiveness to and consideration of the question. Similarly, a filler like hmm can show that the speaker is engaging in a process of decision making, and thus provide detail to the listener about the unvocalized perspective of the speaker.
Add Strength To An Idea
Moreover, fillers like actually, basically and seriously add strength to the idea that it describes. Take for example, “Actually, I am a seriously avid fan of the Star Wars trilogy. I’ve basically memorized all the lines of Luke Skywalker.” The listener can glean from these adverbs that the speaker is enthusiastic about the topic. Although the adverbs may not add additional information, they provide a glimpse into the emotionality of the speaker. As long as the words actually, basically and seriouslyhave a meaning equivalent to in fact, in conclusion, and most definitely, respectively, their original function and power are maintained.
Connect With The Listener
Some filler phrases often characterizing everyday speech include you see, you know, and you know what I mean. Though each phrase serves a special function, with the first used to share something the listener may not know, second for something the listener may know, and the third to check in on the comprehension level of the listener, all have one common factor— to connect with the listener. In other words, these words display the initiative of the speaker to get in touch with the listener, whether that may be to bring up a familiar topic, introduce an unfamiliar one, or to provide clarification.
As seen in the examples above, filler words and phrases have an indispensable role in our formal and informal speech. When used appropriately, these words can embellish our message to reveal our perspectives and emotions. However, when used only as a tool to fill our pauses, these words lose power and become mere silence fillers.
If you find yourself misusing words and are seeking to embrace each word’s full value, you’re in luck. Speech-Language Pathologists who work exclusively with adults provide presentation and communication coaching to those interested in a communication tune-up. With a deeper understanding of each word’s meaning and a greater control of your vocabulary, you will begin using words powerfully—just as they were intended.
To speech with a speech-language pathologist at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation online or calling (647) 795-5277.
