ON FILLER WORDS
Why do most people use these words? Like . . . (oops)
um, okay, anyway, you know what I mean, uh, so, well,
but. I mean (oops) these are real bad habits, right? The first
step is to become aware that you use these words – get feedback
from your friends and colleagues. Toastmasters uses an effective
technique to help you become aware of the filler words. It is called
the Ah Counter – every time you say a filler, someone uses a buzzer
or clicker to remind you. As if you aren’t nervous enough speaking
to your peers, eh? In my booklet, Speak Like a Pro for Profit, (see #6 below)
I provide some tips and urge you to speak, speak, speak and ask for
feedback. This will remind you to break the habit as often as possible.
And remember to BREATHE!
The Coach sez . . . you know (oops) basically (oops) to tell the truth (oops),
it like (oops) takes a long time to stop the habit of using fillers.
UGGGGHHHHH!
(2008) Sandra Schrift www.schrift.com
posted by Sandra Schrift @ 9:20 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
You are definitely right here Sandra: one of the best ways to improve upon presentations is to shed verbal filler. I refer to words and sounds such as uh, um, so, like, you know, basically, etc. These sorts of fillers make the presenter seem less articulate and less sure of themselves and their message.
Here are some techniques that you can use to shed the use of verbal filler.
1. Record yourself practicing a presentation, watch it, and count your verbal fillers. It’s painful but can fuel your determination to shed the fillers.
2. Enlist the help of those around you – your partner / spouse, friends, co-workers, family, etc. Empower them to repeat your fillers whenever they hear you using it. That can also be painful and embarrassing – even more fuel for your determination.
3. Listen for your use of verbal filler at ALL times – presenting, in conversation, on the phone, with friends, etc.
4. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just make a mental note and remind yourself that you want to change your speech pattern.
5. Use pause instead. Focus on the behavior you want. Grow comfortable with silence. Learn to enjoy it.
6. Be willing to pause even in the middle of sentences as you struggle to think of the word that you want.
7. It’s said that you can change any behavior if you focus on it for 21 days. Put “I will use pause not filler” on your to-do list for 21 consecutive days.
8. Don’t give up! As American writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”
Thanks for the post!
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