is for "UM...ER...AH..." (fillers)
Fillers words and sounds like, "ah, er, um" sap the power from your presentation. What are “filler words”? Words and sounds that don’t add anything to your message: ah, er, um, and, you know, you know what I mean, Ok, basically, I believe - are all forms of filler words. They are often uttered while gathering the next thought. The problem with them is they undermine your message. They steal your thunder. Hubert Humphrey did a TV interview. He uttered, “I believe” 31 times in 40 minutes. He was forgettable - for the wrong reason.
A Gallop Poll Communication Survey revealed that the use of filler words such as, "and, um, like, you know”,
annoyed 69% of people surveyed.
Becoming aware of your filler words is half the battle! Three ways to become more aware of them:
1) Tape record yourself when you give speeches and listen to the tape.
3) Join Toastmasters. Toastmaster meetings have “ah counters” that count filler words and report their findings to you.
Once aware of your fillers, replace them with a pause. To YOU the pause may seem forever, but to your audience it’s brief and powerful.
DID THE “UR’S” COST A PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION?
“Why do you want to be president?” a reporter asked Ted Kennedy. His answer filled nearly two-thirds of a page of the news magazine, and he did not answer the question. His many fillers were recorded for all to read. Because he could not answer the question, it was said that he lost the possible nomination for presidency. Brevity is powerful. If he had just said, “I want to give back to the country that has given me so much. For that reason, I want to serve the American people to the best of my ability as their President.” His answer would have been perceived as sincere, patriotic, brief and to the point.
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2) Ask a friend/colleague to listen for your filler words.
