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Whether you are delivering a key work presentation, interviewing for a new role, or speaking in a classroom, filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “like” can creep in and undermine your confidence. Relying on filler words isn’t a sign of poor vocabulary — it’s simply a habit your brain uses to bridge the gap while processing your next thought.
In this Q&A guide, Voice and Speech Teacher Bill Patti shares practical techniques to help you replace filler words with powerful pauses and clear, authoritative speech.
How do I stop using filler words like “um” and “like” during presentations or interviews when I get nervous?
To eliminate filler words, you must train yourself to embrace brief pauses, slow down your overall pacing, and use intentional breath support instead of filling silent spaces with sound.
Silence feels longer to you than it does to your audience. When you need to gather your thoughts, take a silent breath instead of vocalizing an “um.”
Filler words often happen when your voice trails off with a rising pitch (upspeak). Finish your thoughts with a firm, grounded downward pitch to anchor the sentence.
When practicing out loud, train yourself to pause, breathe silently through your nose, and only speak when your next phrase is formed.
Shifting your gaze rapidly around a room increases anxiety and filler words. Pick one visual target per thought to ground your focus.
Use your phone to record a 60-second impromptu response on any topic. Count your filler words, then repeat the response aiming to replace every filler word with a silent 1-second pause.
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