How to Avoid Using Filler Words for Clear and Concise Speech

Filler words, such as “um,” “like,” and “you know,” have a way of sneaking into our speech without us even realizing it. While these words may seem harmless, they can undermine our credibility and make our communication less effective. If you find yourself using filler words frequently, don’t worry – there are strategies you can use to avoid them and speak more confidently.
In this article, we will explore why filler words are problematic and how they can impact your professional image. We will also provide practical tips and techniques to help you eliminate filler words from your speech, such as practicing mindfulness while speaking, consciously pausing to collect your thoughts, and rehearsing your speeches or presentations in advance. With a little effort and practice, you can train yourself to speak more confidently and persuasively, without relying on filler words to fill the silence.

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What Are the Most Common Filler Words?

People often use filler words and phrases as hesitation markers or crutches when they are speaking. These are essentially unnecessary words that don’t add any meaning to what you’re saying. Many filler words in English like “um,” “uh,” “like,” “you know,” and “I mean” can become bad habits.

1. “Um” and “uh” are extremely common filler words that people use when they can’t think of what to say next or need some time to gather their thoughts. Don’t be afraid to pause instead of filling the silence with “um” or “uh.”
2. “Like” is another incredibly common filler word, especially among younger English speakers. You might use it as a filler when you’re not sure what word or phrase to use next while speaking.
3. “You know” is often used as a filler phrase when you’re speaking conversationally. However, it’s unnecessary and doesn’t add any value. Don’t add “you know” if you’re concerned about sounding more confident.
4. “I mean” is a filler adverb that native English speakers use a lot. It can signal you’re about to rephrase or clarify something. But in many cases, it’s an unnecessary filler word.

List of Common Filler Words

Filler words come in many forms across different languages and cultures. While some are more widely used than others, it’s helpful to be aware of the most common culprits. That way, you can catch yourself when using them excessively and make an effort to reduce this habit.

1. “Um,” “er,” and “uh” are arguably the most ubiquitous filler words in English. Nearly everyone uses them occasionally when pausing to collect their thoughts mid-sentence.
2. “Like” has become extremely prevalent as a filler word, especially among younger generations of native English speakers. You may find yourself saying “like” frequently when describing something or trying to choose the right phrasing.
3. “You know” is another very common filler phrase that adds no actual meaning to what you’re saying. It often gets inserted unconsciously between statements or ideas.
4. “I mean” is a filler adverb that implies you’re about to clarify or rephrase what you just said. While sometimes useful, it gets overused by many as a stall tactic.
5. “Basically” is a qualifier that people use as a filler to preface a summary or main idea, as in “Basically, what I’m trying to say is…”
6. “So” and “well” frequently get uttered as fillers at the start of a new statement when someone feels an unnatural pause forming.
7. “Right?” and “You see?” are types of filler tag questions tacked onto the end of statements, perhaps seeking validation or a pause to breathe.
8. “Kind of” and “sort of” hedge commitments and buy more thinking time when someone is struggling to articulate their point precisely.
9. “Literally” is a filler word that has become so overused it often contradicts its actual meaning of being literal or truthful.
10. “Okay” gets repeated as a stalling filler, especially in response to questions when the speaker needs more time before answering.
11. “Yeah” or “Yes” can be unconscious filler affirmations that people use to fill pauses as they’re formulating their next point.
12. “Actually” is a qualifier filler word that doesn’t add anything when inserted needlessly into sentences.
13. “Just” is a filler word that people use to minimize statements but often weakens their impact, as in “I just think…”
14. “Really” is another qualifier filler used excessively, as in “It was really good.” Without adding emphasis, it becomes an empty filler.
15. Saying “Hmm” or “Uhh” are common filler sounds made to fill silence when thinking or stalling for time.
16. Repeating words or phrases like “And and and…” or “So, so, so…” are filler loops people get stuck in as they struggle to move their point forward.
17. Combinations like “so, well, um” are very common ways that multiple filler words get strung together as people stall and restart their sentences.
18. “Right,” “mhm,” and “uh huh” are filler interjections that people use to stall or show they are listening without adding any real substance.

Why Do We Use Filler Words?

We often use filler words unconsciously when speaking or writing. These unnecessary utterances like “um,” “uh,” “like,” “you know,” and “I mean” serve various purposes. Even accomplished public speakers might use filler words at times.

1. Lack of confidence is one major reason we rely on filler words. When feeling nervous or unsure, people tend to say “umm” or “like” as a placeholder while gathering their thoughts.
2. Trying to fill silence is another common motivation for filler usage. Some feel uncomfortable with pauses in conversation and instinctively use filler words like “you know” to avoid dead air.
3. For many, filler words have simply become ingrained habits from years of conversational practice. These unnecessary utterances get baked into our speech patterns over time.

While occasional filler word usage is normal, relying too heavily on them can undermine your skills. Using too many fillers makes you seem unfilled, uncertain, or inexperienced – especially in professional settings. The number of filler words tends to increase when people are feeling heightened nervousness, like during public speaking events.

When Are Filler Words Used in English?

While filler words can sneak their way into any form of communication, there are certain situations where people tend to rely on them more heavily. Being aware of when you’re likely to use a lot of filler words can help you make a conscious effort to reduce them.

1. Speaking Extemporaneously – When having to think and speak at the same time without a script, filler words often get injected as people pause to gather their thoughts. This frequently occurs in conversations, meetings, presentations, etc.
2. Under Pressure – High-stakes situations like job interviews, media appearances, or speeches in front of large audiences tend to increase filler word usage due to nervousness and the need for extra thinking time.
3. With Language Barriers – Non-native speakers commonly use more filler words in English as they quickly translate thoughts from their first language, pause to find the right words and account for differing linguistic structures.
4. While Writing/Editing – Though less common, writers may sprinkle in filler words and phrases when stuck on phrasing or struggling to convey concepts smoothly during the drafting process.
5. In Casual Conversation – Relaxed, informal dialogue prompts many to rely heavily on filler discourse markers like “um,” “like,” and “you know” out of habit with little self-editing.

Tips for avoiding using filler words

Reducing your reliance on filler words takes conscious effort, but it’s a worthwhile goal to improve your communication skills. Here are some tips that can help you avoid using excessive filler words when speaking or writing:

1. Practice mindfulness – Simply being more aware of your filler word habits is a great first step. Listen carefully to yourself as you speak and make a mental note whenever you use an unnecessary “um,” “like,” or other filler. Over time, this mindfulness will make you catch yourself more quickly.
2. Slow down your pace – Filler words often get deployed when we are rushing to get thoughts out. By intentionally slowing down your speaking rate, you give your brain more time to process and formulate ideas without leaning on fillers to buy time.
3. Use intentional pauses – Rather than filling silence with filler utterances, get comfortable with brief pauses in your speech. Confident speakers don’t fear a moment of silence while gathering their next statement.
4. Focus on your message – When feeling anxious or put on the spot, concentrate fully on conveying your core ideas. Don’t get derailed by filler words that can dilute and distract from the substance you want to deliver.
5. Record yourself speaking and listen for filler words – Whether video or just audio, recording practice conversations or presentations allows you to objectively analyze your filler word usage afterward. Hearing it highlights areas needing improvement.
6. Engage in mock conversations or public speaking to practice – Setting up low-stakes practice scenarios provides valuable reps for speaking without excessive fillers before higher-pressure situations.
7. Take note of situations where you are most prone to using filler words – Self-awareness about your triggers for filler word overuse is key. Identify and prepare for contexts that make you rely on them as crutches.

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FAQs on Filler Words

Jamie Boone

Experienced writer and dedicated professor with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers