Edition # 09

In this edition: 3 tips to get rid of fillers | Bonus resources on handling fillers | Resource: A playlist on introductions

Hey Reader

We all use fillers in our speech from time to time, and they can often slip into our conversations unnoticed.

However, these fillers can undermine our communication.

They make us sound less confident credible. They distract from our message and can even irritate our listeners.

The good news is that with a little awareness and practice, you can eliminate fillers from your speech.

In today's newsletter, I will explore why fillers are bad and give you practical tips how to get rid of them

Why are fillers harmful?

- They undermine your confidence and authority

- They make you sound uncertain. Using umm..errr every 2 sentences isn't exactly a sign of confidence

- Fillers clearly reveal that you are nervous (or distracted)

- They heavily distract from your core message

- Fillers obstruct your rhythm of speech and voice modulation

- Fillers reduce the chances of a buy-in from your listeners

- Fillers reduce audience engagement

- Fillers make your speech cognitively taxing on listeners

I can't think of a single instance when umms and errs are work in our favour. So the effort in eliminating them from our speaking style is worth the effort.

Let's dive in!

3 Simple Ways To Eliminate Fillers In Your Speech

1. Slow Down Your Rate of Speech

When speaking rapidly, it can be challenging to maintain the pace beyond the initial moments.

Furthermore, when gaps appear in our train of thought, we tend to rely on filler words, causing the entire conversation to falter.

The key is to start at a slower pace. It's perfectly acceptable!

2. Structure your Thoughts

Knowing the direction in which you will be going helps you stay on track – and not stray into the uncertainty of fillers.

It also keeps your audience engaged.

3. Listen to Yourself

Just leave the voice recorder on your phone on, especially during your talking parts of the meeting.

At the end of it you will have your performance in real time.

Replay it with a pen and paper to note down observations.

This will help you understand not just the frequency of the crutch words you use but the which ones do you use.

As an alternative, you can also commission friends and co-workers to help you give up this habit.

To sum up:

3 simple ways to get rid of fillers:

1. Slow Down Your Rate of Speech

2. Structure your Thoughts

3. Listen to Yourself

SUPER TIP OF THE WEEK

The top tip to get rid of fillers is to become aware of their use.

One of the bigger challenges with fillers is that we use them unconsciously.

So watch your words and consciously notice the umms and errs as you use them. This can help you understand the triggers (lack of structure, words or ideas?) that lead to the crutch words.

Bonus resources:

Here are more detailed tips on how to eliminate fillers ​

Also sharing newsletter edition #03: How to assess yourself - which will greatly help you monitor your fillers.

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Introducing ourselves well is a simple yet daunting task. Our first impression is connected to it. Here is a playlist that chalks out steps to come up with a creative and unique introduction.

Click here to watch the playlist

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

I read books and watch videos but still don't feel confident while communicating. How can I get better at it?

This is one of the most common questions I get. The thing is efforts need the right direction.

While it's great to learn how it's done through reading and watching, it's not enough. It's like watching cooking shows and hoping to become a master chef.

Here's the top tip to get better in communication - Practice.

Pick a 20 minute slot in a day and practice on impromptu topics from the internet. It may seem strange speaking to yourself at first. But keep at it and I know it'll make a huge difference.

Spoiler Alert: Stay tuned and I will soon be sending you a swipe file of 100 topics you can practice from.

SNEAK PEAK INTO NEXT WEEK

Next week, we will change gears from basics to something more advanced. It's easier to go up the ladder when you start your career. But it becomes increasing hard as you move up.

What are a few things that you can do at a senior level to go from a senior executive to a C-suite level? Stay tuned for the next newsletter on this topic.

Also, if you are not there yet, it doesn't mean that you can't start learning right away and get a headstart!

YOUR TURN...

What do you think about these newsletters? Do you have any suggestions, comments or ideas? Hit reply and share them all!

I'm all ears!

Cheers

Suman

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Whenever you are ready:

​How to write an effective elevator pitch: Do you struggle to make a great first impression? How would you like a one-line template that'll help you introduce yourself - confidently and memorably every single time? Just 2o minutes can help you plan and write your elevator pitch!

Get into a strategy call with for free - book your slot here​

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