One of the best ways to improve how you come across as a speaker is to cut out filler words. Often known as the “ums and ahs”, they fill in silences when a speaker is thinking about what to say next.
It isn’t just ums and ahs that are fillers. Speakers often use other words to pad out what they are saying. This could be starting sentences with words like “now”, “right”, “so”. Alternatively adding “you know”, “kind of” or similar into sentences. These words add nothing to what you are saying.
The best way to cut out filler words? Be conscious that you’re using them (you may need someone to point this out) and then concentrate on not using them. It takes some effort at first and being silent may feel awkward. A few seconds feels like an age to you, but won’t even register with the audience. Eventually it will become natural to speak without fillers. Having a few when you speak is fine – I was once told I came across as “too perfect” when I didn’t use any.
Going further, there are also phrases which could be seen as superfluous. They have become part of the vernacular of many events, but are they necessary? Consider the following:
“For those of you who don’t know me” – I don’t like this phrase because it immediately divides the audience – into those that know the person speaking and those that don’t. Those that don’t may then feel disadvantaged that they don’t know this important person. I prefer someone leading a meeting/event to own their position. There should be no problem stating who they are and why they are there. Those in the room who know them will understand why they are doing it, they don’t need a platitude as to why they have to listen to this again.
“For many of you, the next speaker needs no introduction” – this phrase is similarly divisive – those who know the speaker and those who don’t. Whilst perhaps flattering to the speaker, it is not to the audience who do not know them. One of the main functions of the MC of an event is to introduce the speaker (more details in this blog). By stating there is no introduction needed, they are dismissing their own role. Those in the audience deserve a good introduction to the speaker and why they are at that particular event. It builds engagement in the audience and sets the tone of the event.
“Without further ado” – this phrase essentially means “enough waffle, let’s get on with it”. It negates everything the speaker has just said. So why they have said any of it? This phrase is often said by MCs, when introducing an event or speaker, exactly the reason they are there. An MC should be confident in their role and the importance of warming up the audience and introducing them to what is about to happen.
Owning the role you have (CEO, MC, speaker) is an important part of leadership. Giving the audience an appropriate introduction is an important part of event management. Cutting out filler words and phrases results in clear, concise and confident communication.
Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash
