Eliminate filler words to boost your credibility

–Karthik Gurumurthy

We all rely on filler words like “um,” “ah,” or “you know,” but they undermine our credibility and distract from our message. Here’s how to break the habit:

Step 1: Identify and Interrupt Notice which fillers you use most, then pair each with a physical action—like tapping your leg every time you say “like.” This creates awareness of your speech patterns.

Step 2: Replace with Silence When you catch yourself about to use a filler, pause instead. Silent pauses feel longer to you than to your audience, and they actually make you sound more thoughtful and confident.

Step 3: Practice Deliberately Record yourself talking about your day, consciously replacing fillers with pauses. With repetition, this becomes natural.

Consider Joining Toastmasters Two years ago, my wife introduced me to Toastmasters, and it’s been transformative. It’s a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can practice speaking regularly and get constructive feedback. The community helps you identify weak spots and provides a safe space to improve.

Breaking the filler word habit takes practice, but the payoff—clearer, more confident communication—is worth the effort.