How to Use Filler Words and When to Avoid Them in English
How to Use Filler Words and When to Avoid Them in English
user Filler words are sounds, words, and phrases used to ‘Fill in’ the space when a person doesn’t know what to say next. Words like “um”,” ah”,” hmm”,” mmmm”,” Err”,” oh”,” like”,” you know”, and “alright” etc., are the words used between sentences to give the speaker time to think, make it less awkward, or express uncertainty. There are general reasons as people use them out of habit, to show that they are figuring it out, or to ease the agitated conversations.
Filler words like um/ah/uh are used interchangeably and represent ‘I’m still thinking’ or like ‘give me some time’, err is more similar to um/uh/ah, but it indicates strong negative concern. Filler words often stem from habit or subconscious thought, making them unnecessary distractions that can be problematic for the speakers. Transformative spoken English classes can help you in speaking fluently.
How Do You Use Filler Words
Filler words are not accepted on professional platforms; however, there are exceptional situations where they may be appropriate. When you need time to organize your thoughts, filler words can help fill the silence while you plan how to phrase and express your ideas.
Calculating any figure: When calculating any figure, you may need to remember a word or perform rough calculations while speaking. In that case, you may use filler words that indicate you are not finished yet, such as “ So, the round-off is…”
To reduce the intensity of the comment: To ease any harsh comment like “I think, um, you can make it better”.
Make it casual: Filler words are often used to make conversation more casual and relatable to the topic. .
Engaging listener: Filler words like ‘right?’ and ‘you know’ are used to ask in between sentences to encourage the conversation.
To ease the awkward conversation: Filler words can be used to break the ice, especially when someone comes with a hard question or an uncomfortable topic.
When To Avoid Them?
In Public Speaking: There are many opportunities to lose your credibility if you frequently use filler words during Zoom meetings or when presenting to investors or audiences. In formal presentations, if you are being too casual and fill each silent space with filler words ‘um’,’ like’, or ‘so’ then you start to lose people’s attention and make you appear anxious.
In the Media: Platforms like television, YouTube, and any other online channels tend to attract more audiences when fewer filler words are used. To create effective online content, it is important to avoid verbal crutches and unnecessary pauses, allowing you to communicate your message clearly and directly to viewers.
How To Avoid Them?
Speak Slowly: The best remedy to speak English fluently and reduce filler words is to slow down. By speaking slowly, you will have time to think and align the words you want to express.
Record and Review: To avoid using filler words in your speech, be aware of your word patterns, record yourself, analyze your recording, and practice your speech.
Practice Mindful Speaking: Initially, to restrict filler words in your speech, Start with mindful conversations, and be conscious about your word usage.
Conclusion
Filler words are good in casual conversations. However, using them in professional platforms can judge your skills. It is better to pause in your speech than using filler words. Silence is a powerful communication tool, allowing you to add more significance to your previous speech.
Using filler words reduce the effectiveness of your language. Want to remove fear of speaking with filler? Call us to schedule a demo class.
