How to remove filler words from your speaking and writing
Are filler words killing your presentations? Did you say one too many ‘umms’? We have all been there (me included).
What about your writing? I bet you don’t associate filler words with writing. But how many unnecessary words are you using that do not add value? Get to the point. You are playing the attention game.
The solution to both is simple.
1. Slow down.
Speaking: You use filler words to subconsciously avoid silences. This speeds up your delivery and tells your audience you are rushing to finish. But what if you slow down? Both your delivery and your thought process.
Start introducing pauses when you speak in place of filler words. This will help you be more thoughtful and give you more time to focus on what needs to come next. Silence is a powerful tool. Embrace it.
Writing: You are rushing to publish but that is not your fault. It is what the creator economy tells you to do. Thoughtfulness is important. After writing content go through and eliminate any words that don’t add value or keep it moving to the next point.
Slowing down your publish process will be valuable in refining content that both captures attention and gives people actionable items to implement.
2. Think about your audience.
Speaking: Most speakers only think about what they need to do, and what they need to say. Don’t fall into that trap. What do your audience need?
They want your information in a clear and simple way that makes it easy for them to take action. Clarity is key. When you have clarity in your message and you can communicate in a simple way. The simpler your message, the less likely you will fall back on filler words.
Writing: Too much context is the killer of attention. If it does not help your audience or entertain them leave it out. Not only words can do this, but formatting is key too.
Most people scan information these days. Make your content scannable — white space is your friend.
3. Don’t be too hard on yourself — you are human.
Speaking: Filler words are okay. The problem comes when they are in every sentence. Give yourself some slack.
If you are using them too often, start noticing every time you say ‘umm’ or ‘like’ during every day conversations. Begin introducing a pause instead. But honestly, filler words are not something to worry about. Not having the perfect speech shows you are human and that works in your favor.
Writing: You were taught to write for a word count or to make your writing more analytical. Removing your filler words means unlearning the writing principles you were taught at school.
This is a process — you won’t be able to change it overnight, and that is okay. The more you shift to content that is easy to read, the more you will be able to write attention grabbing content with ease.
Actionable takeaways
When speaking, replace filler words with pauses. When writing, remove words that do not help the reader.
It is not about you, it is about your audience. If it does not help your audience, leave it out.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to use filler words, just be conscious of when you use them and where possible slow down your thought process.
More from me
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