When we are speaking in public, sometimes nerves can get the better of us and an umm, or an err or a sooooo… can creep into our narrative.
Filler words (umms and errs) can suggest a lack of knowledge, lack of confidence or lack of preparation to your audience and undermine your message. So here are 3 tips to banish the umm.
3 ways to Banish the Umm
None of these techniques are a quick fix; they do need discipline and consistency to become fluent and habitual. However, with practice, you will begin to see the umms and errs reduce.
Number 1 – The Power of the Pause
One of the simplest ways to banish the Umm is to pause.
Whenever you feel an umm or an err brewing, or you are approaching a part of the presentation you are less familiar with, just pause. Pausing will give you time to think and prepare. A pause also gives your audience time to reflect.
Why is this useful?
An umm or an err suggests that you have forgotten… A pause suggests you are remembering. The result is that rather than showing a lack of confidence, you are showing control of your narrative.
Practice this when you are rehearsing your presentation. Initially, the pause will feel like it is dragging on forever. However, as it becomes more instinctive and intuitive, you will pause without thinking. The space will replace the filler words to become a natural part of your delivery.
Number 2 – Slow Down
If you are a nervous speaker (and practically everyone who attends a course with me is), you may feel you talk too fast.
This is a natural reaction to your nervousness. You desperately want to get to the end a quickly as possible so you can sit down and relax.
But talking too fast is a filler word generator. Because your mouth is going faster than your brain, your brain triggers an err just so it has time to catch up.
Practice slowing down around the key points of your presentation or parts you are less familiar with. This means your brain is ahead of the game, and fluency improves as a result.
Varying your pace is also a good way to keep things energetic and interesting.
Number 3 – Take a Sip.
My absolute favourite prop in speaking is my trusty glass of water. On my courses, you will learn exactly how many fantastic uses the simple sip has.
This works in the same way as the pause. If you think the subject is getting away from you, you are talking too fast, or an umm is brewing, simply stop… and take a sip. Your listeners will think you are thirsty and will take the pause as time to reflect or take a sip themselves. You can reset, check your notes, or just take a moment to settle before carrying on.
Building your Confidence as a Public Speaker.
Take time to practice and allow yourself to fail; no new skill comes at once or without setbacks.
Public Speaking is one of the most loathed activities you can be asked to do. Up to 77% of people in the UK experience some level of anxiety around public speaking, while 15% suffer from glossophobia, a more intense, persistent fear.
However, this does not mean you can’t become a capable presenter who can clearly and effectively communicate a message to another group of people. Focus on progression, not perfection. Perfection is unattainable and ultimately self-defeating.
However, getting slightly better at something every time we do it and committing to the learning experience is something everyone is capable of.
Support and Public Speaking Courses Available
If you are interested in learning about how I can support you with public speaking, please get in touch.
I am also running some in-person workshops; you can discover more here.
About Michael Niles
Michael Niles is a public speaking coach with 15+ years’ experience helping beginners build confidence. With a background in theatre, vocal training and corporate management, he delivers calm, supportive workshops for individuals and organisations, including Google, the BBC and Estée Lauder.