Is "UM" Really That Bad?
- Stephanie Bickel
- Aug 3, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
by Stephanie Bickel
We are told that if we want to be flawless communicators, we can't use filler words.
Filler words are those short, meaningless words or phrases that we use to fill in the awkward pauses or to buy us some time while we think of our next thought. Words such as, "like, okay, right, so, and um."
However, many people use them; so doesn't it make us sound more relatable? Can "um" really be that bad?
Here is what the audience thinks about speakers who say "um":
They don’t believe what they are saying.
They are not confident.
They don’t speak to groups often.
They must be nervous.
The message sounds scattered. I'm having a hard time understanding the idea.
They didn’t prepare.
I am counting “ums” versus listening to the idea.
They must be warming up and haven't really started yet.
They don't know what they're talking about.
They must be young.
They have not been trained.
They are inventing the idea while they speak.
They have only worked in casual environments.
As you can see, 'relatable' was not on this list. Therefore, if we want to practice the highest standard of communication, we must strive to be "um"-less.
Here are 7 Strategies to Strengthen Your Delivery
1. Record yourself for 2–3 minutes and notice when and why the filler words appear.
2. Have someone clap or snap each time you say “um” and work to reduce it in real time.
3. Replace “um” with a pause breathe, think, then speak.
4. Over-prepare your message so your ideas are fully formed before you begin.
5. Rehearse out loud until your delivery feels smooth and steady.
6. Use clear message structures to stay organized and avoid rambling.
7. Hold eye contact while thinking, this naturally discourages filler words and strengthens your presence.
Saying "um", as well as all the other filler words, is a habit. A habit that you might have been doing for a long time. Therefore, please be patient with yourself.
YOU are your own best coach.
Great leaders aren’t born, they’re trained.
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