Filling up on Empty Words
SO WHAT EXACTLY ARE FILLER WORDS?
Fillers are those empty, surplus to need sounds,
words and phrases that pad our sentences without
adding any additional meaning.
You can liken fillers to empty calories – we eat them
but they offer no nourishment.
They are those meaningless stammers we slip into the
conversation. You can most easily identify a filler
word if it’s a part of speech that is commonly said by
word of mouth and almost never written.
They’re often irrelevant transitory words we throw
into the mix as we grapple for the right word or gather
our thoughts.
Most of us slip in a filler word or phrase from time to time, particularly when we’re nervous
or uncertain. Unfortunately they can erode our credibility when they distract our listener
from our message, or leave our listeners with the impression we don’t really know what
we’re talking about.
You may not be aware of the fillers you use but you’d soon notice if a television presenter
said: “Well, it is time um the community sort of had a stay, ya know.”
You’d also notice if a sports commentator described the play with: “Johnson, um, retrieves
the ball from ah Smith – who passes it to Simon who sort of tackles…..”
So fillers can strip us of our credibility;
interrupt our vocal fluency and distract, even bore, our listeners.
© 2016 Learning Insight / The Occasional Speaker
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You sound more confident and knowledgeable when your speech is fluent and devoid of lots
of filler.
WHAT FILLERS DO YOU USE?
Most of us use fillers from time to time. Record yourself in conversation or when you next
speak at a gathering. As you listen to your recording, listen for the words, phrases and
sounds you habitually use but which add no value.

How often are you inserting fillers?

What fillers do you use habitually?

Are they distracting?

Are they undermining your credibility?
HOW TO AVOID FILLERS
Prepare – Practice your business presentations; and rehearse aloud for a job interview.
Ensure you have adequate rest - The more rested you, are the sharper your brain will be
and the easier it will be to think quickly and articulate your thoughts without stumbling.
Don’t allow yourself to be distracted during conversation – remain in the moment.
Take your time - Reduce your speed.
Make the most of pause - Replace the filler word(s) with silence. Use the time you might
ordinarily spend on a filler word to collect your thoughts. Enjoy the silence. A pause allows
your audience time to reflect on what you have said and adds variety and interest to your
delivery.
Monitor your progress, and be patient – Continue to record yourself often to review your
progress.
© 2016 Learning Insight / The Occasional Speaker
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Like some help with your speech or vocal delivery?
The Occasional Speaker offers regular public workshops and private
tuition in Voice and Speech Coaching, Elocution and Public
Speaking.
The next scheduled workshop:
Speech Makeover
To access a workshop outline and register for this workshop:
http://www.macarthurcc.com.au/modules/details?ModuleID=WL21
91-16X
www.learninginsight.com.au
www.theoccasionalspeaker.com.au
© 2016 Learning Insight / The Occasional Speaker
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