Let’s talk about a public speaking myth that refuses to die: the idea that eliminating filler words like “um” and “uh” will magically make you a great speaker.
Nope. Not how it works.
Completely removing filler words is not a good goal. It won’t automatically make you more confident or a better communicator.
Yes, too many can be distracting, but focusing too much on cutting them out can make you sound robotic. Plenty of successful speakers still use “uh” and “um” occasionally. The key is to reduce them to a level where they don’t take away from your message. (Though, fair warning—removing excessive “like” can boost your professionalism since it’s often associated with junior high speech patterns.)
What Actually Matters About Filler Words
If you really want to sound confident and polished, the answer isn’t just eliminating fillers—it’s controlling your speaking. When you learn to be in control of what you’re saying and manage your nerves, filler words naturally decrease. Why? Because they usually appear when your brain is scrambling for the next thought. The more control you have, the less scrambling you do.
How to Actually Improve Your Speaking
Instead of obsessing over fillers, focus on these two things:
1. Message Clarity – Your goal is to connect with your audience and deliver your message in a way they understand and relate to. If your content is strong, a few filler words won’t matter.
2. Strategic Pauses – Instead of filling space with “um,” practice pausing. A pause not only makes you sound more confident, but it also gives your audience time to absorb what you’re saying.
Try This Today
Next time you’re speaking, don’t stress over every little “um.” Instead, try slowing down, controlling your nerves, and focusing on what you’re saying rather than filler word count. Your audience will remember your message—not how many times you said “uh.”
If you’re ready to develop a confident speaking style that goes beyond eliminating filler words, explore expert coaching and resources at Queen City Etiquette to elevate the way you speak and show up with confidence.