STOP SAYING UM, AH, ER, LIKE... | Avoid Using Fillers for Effective Speaking

Summary

This lesson explores the concept of fillers, or disfluencies, in speech. It discusses how fillers like 'um' and 'uh' can disrupt the flow of conversation, often signaling nervousness or a lack of preparation. While fillers are natural in casual speech, overuse can negatively impact speaking fluency, especially in formal settings like presentations. The video emphasizes the importance of pauses, effective speaking techniques, and minimizing filler words to improve communication. Practical tips are provided, such as recording yourself, building vocabulary, and practicing speech to gain confidence and fluency in conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Disfluency refers to interruptions in the regular flow of speech, such as fillers like 'um' or 'uh'.
• 😀 Fillers are a natural part of communication, often used to regain footing during conversations, especially when nervous or unsure.
• 😀 Overusing fillers as a language learner may create the impression of being nervous or uncomfortable with the language.
• 😀 Pauses are better than fillers in formal settings like presentations or speeches, as they help maintain clarity and engagement.
• 😀 Fillers can make you sound unsure, whereas pauses create emphasis and clarity in communication.
• 😀 Using too many fillers can hinder speaking fluency and reduce emotional impact in storytelling or presentations.
• 😀 Fillers, when used too often, may become a 'crutch' in communication, helping the speaker when they struggle to find the right words.
• 😀 Minimizing filler usage improves both casual and formal speech fluency, making the speaker sound more confident.
• 😀 To reduce filler use, it’s essential to first become aware of your habitual fillers by recording or watching your speech.
• 😀 Building a strong vocabulary helps reduce the need for fillers when searching for words during a conversation.
• 😀 Repeated practice and preparation, especially for presentations, can help increase confidence and reduce filler usage.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'disfluency' in linguistics?

'Disfluency' refers to interruptions in the regular flow of speech. These interruptions include pauses, fillers, or other disruptions that occur during speech.

Why do people use fillers like 'um' or 'uh' in conversation?

People use fillers in conversation for various reasons, such as being distracted, feeling nervous, or being unsure of what to say next. Fillers help maintain the flow of conversation while the speaker gathers their thoughts.

What is the main difference between a pause and a filler in speech?

A pause is a brief stop in speech that allows the listener to process the information and can be used to emphasize a point. A filler, on the other hand, is a word or sound like 'um' or 'uh' used when the speaker is thinking of what to say next.

Why are pauses considered beneficial in formal speaking situations?

Pauses in formal speaking allow the audience to absorb the information, increase engagement, and emphasize key points. They also make the speaker appear more confident and organized.

How can overusing fillers affect your speaking fluency?

Overusing fillers can make you appear uncertain or nervous, which may negatively impact the fluency and clarity of your speech. It can also distract from the message you are trying to convey.

Why might fillers be seen as 'crutch words'?

Fillers are called 'crutch words' because they serve as a temporary support when a speaker is unsure of what to say next, much like a crutch helps someone with an injured leg to walk.

What impact can excessive use of fillers have on storytelling?

Excessive fillers in storytelling can detract from the emotional impact of the story. They can make the speaker sound unsure and reduce the intensity of the message, making it less engaging for the audience.

How can fillers affect casual conversations?

In casual conversations, fillers are natural and can make the speaker sound more relatable. However, if used excessively due to nervousness or uncertainty, they may create an impression of discomfort with the language.

What strategies can help you avoid using fillers?

To avoid using fillers, it's important to become aware of your own filler words, practice transitioning from fillers to pauses, build your vocabulary, and rehearse your speaking to increase confidence.

Why is practicing vocabulary important for minimizing fillers?

Building your vocabulary helps reduce the need to search for words during conversations. When you have the right words readily available, you are less likely to rely on fillers while speaking.