The 5 Most Common Filler Words That Can Ruin Your Speech
As a founder or entrepreneur, when you're giving a pitch or presentation, every word you say matters. One of the quickest ways to lose your audience's attention is by using filler words. These little phrases take up space, make you sound uncertain, and most importantly, they don’t add anything valuable to your message.
So, why do we use them? Well, filler words often creep in when we’re hesitating, gathering our thoughts, or trying to sound polite. Unfortunately, they can undermine your credibility and distract from your point. While it's natural to use them in casual conversation, when you're speaking publicly, it's best to eliminate them as much as possible.
Here are the 5 most common filler words to watch out for:
"Oh"
This one often sneaks in at the beginning of a sentence. It can be distracting and, if overused, can make you sound unsure."Like"
This word has become the go-to filler for many young speakers. It’s everywhere—except when you’re talking about something you like. If it’s not necessary, cut it out."You know"
This phrase pops up in almost any part of the sentence. It's usually just a way to buy time while your brain catches up, but it doesn’t add any real value to your speech."Well"
Often used as a crutch to fill the silence when you’re collecting your thoughts, "well" can be an unnecessary filler that makes your message weaker."Uh" or "Umm"
These are the classic filler words. While they might slip out when you're nervous, they can make you sound unprepared and unsure.
We all have our go-to filler words. The key is recognizing them, being mindful of your speech, and practicing ways to avoid them. When you cut the filler, your message will be clearer, more confident, and—most importantly—more memorable.
So next time you're gearing up for a big presentation, take a moment to breathe, and leave the "likes" and "ums" behind. Trust me, your audience will thank you.
Until next time—stay confident, clear, and 'um'-free!
Jenn