So.
Ah.
Hmmm.
Well…
You know…
Actually…
Who hasn’t heard of any of these terms woven into somebody’s oral presentation?
More importantly, who hasn’t used them at some point while speaking? Vocabulary fillers or filler words as they are termed, can be sounds, words or phrases, which are not actually written down in our speeches but are always prevalent during delivery.
The frequency in which they are used in everyday, spoken communication is very high, which then raises the following questions. Is it okay to use them? Can we be labeled as incompetent public speakers when we do use them? Are filler words never used by effective public speakers?
Andrew Dlugan, author of How to Stop Saying Um, Uh and Other Filler Words believes that an occasional filler word does not affect passion or a great message.
It is, therefore, okay to use filler words once in a while since even some of the best public speakers do.
However, he cautions speakers to minimize filler words, since they contribute nothing and weaken one’s effectiveness as a speaker.
Dlugan further claims that filler words represent verbal static, and excessive use of such weakens one’s credibility as the audience is likely to equate its use with incompetent knowledge, ill preparation, or worse, lack of passion.
The use of vocabulary fillers is even more magnified at the classroom level. Both teachers and students do have difficulties engaging in a discussion sans fillers. It is as if filler words have become part and parcel of everyday communication.
Is it hopeless then? Can we do something so that one day, we are able to communicate eloquently without verbal hiccups?
Perhaps we can try the following techniques, parallel to those suggested by Dlugan in his article.
1. ASSESS. Like any other difficulty, begin with an objective assessment on how often you use filler words. The best way to do this is to record either your voice or your actual delivery.
2. ASK YOURSELF. After your assessment, ask yourself why you keep on using filler words. Is it because your brain needs a moment to catch up with your mouth? Is it because you are dealing with stage fright such as succumbing to mental block? Whatever your reason, Dlugan emphasizes that filler words are useless signals in communication and should thus, be avoided.
3. PREPARE. Adequate preparation is your armor in the public speaking arena. Never be complacent in trusting yourself too much especially when the topic presented is fresh, new and just not in your realm of expertise. Research and read.
4. CHECK YOUR PACE. Your recording (audio or video) will also give you a clear assessment on your pace. Often, speakers go very fast that they run out of words to say and thus, use fillers. Relax. Slow down and remember that your message will be more meaningful and will be understood by your audience better if you speak at an appropriate speed.
5. MONITOR. Public speaking is a skill, and like any other skill, it requires time to be perfected. Exercise patience and do not be afraid to re-evaluate your performance so that you are able to clearly see your progress.
Realize that filler words do not add anything to your effectiveness as a speaker. They are meaningless cues that cloud your audience’s understanding. Once addressed, you are on your way towards a communication path that is clear, direct and purposeful.
Dr. Roullette P. Cordevilla
Dean, College of Education
Foundation University
