Because I was the Ah Champion of my Toastmasters club when I first joined in 1991, I've been asked many times, "How can I reduce my ahs, ums and other filler words?"
First, I explained that many people use filler words thus, if you are surrounded by these people, the ahs and ums are not as noticeable to others simply because they are used to hearing filler words. I've heard a District Attorney, elected to office and having spoken to many, many groups have over 100 ahs and ums in the first 5 minutes of a 20 min. presentation. I've seen a criminal attorney asking the judge to reduce the bail for his two clients with multiple ahs and ums. Additionally, he was pacing back and forth and his eyes were focused on the floor rather than making eye contact with the judge. In actuality, the use of filler words may be due to a lack of confidence, inability to think on our feet, etc.
Before continuing, I don't mindattorneys and I'm not intentionally picking on them. I used these two examples simply because they happened to be good examples. For years, I could have been either of them. Very knowledgeable in my profession but not comfortable in speaking or not realizing that these filler words can be distracting.
In fact, for those with a trained ear, particularly Toastmasters, filler words can be quite distracting. To find an non-attorney example, I have a friend I met in network marketing many years ago. He was and still is immaculate, professional and good in his presentations -- except for one thing -- "YOU KNOW." Sometimes, he has said "you know, you know" before starting his next statement.
So, how do we reduce our ahs and ums? Begin by really listening to others and evaluating them. Attend a workshop or seminar at a community college, at work or elsewhere in the community. Or watch a late night show, news cast, PBS, or other TV talk shows. Count the number of the ahs and ums. Were they nervous, etc?
After being conscious of others, mentally learn to count your own ahs and ums. If you are giving a presentation, don't say "Darn! I said an'ah'" or "Oops, I just said a 'you know.'" Just mentally make a note of it. As you become more aware of your own ahs and ums, you will hesitate before saying the filler word and eventually you will reduce your ahs and ums.
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