Stop Saying “Um”: What Filler Words Are and How to Eliminate Them for Good

What Are Filler Words?

Filler words are those tiny, often meaningless sounds or phrases people use when pausing to think—like “um,” “uh,” “you know,” “so,” and “like.” They don’t change the meaning of a sentence, but they fill silence, signal hesitation, and make speech flow more naturally. Linguists call them “discourse markers,” and they’re found in nearly every language.

Common Examples of Filler Words

“Um” and “uh” – hesitation or thinking
“Like” – softens tone or connects ideas
“You know” – checks for understanding
“So” or “well” – transitions between ideas

Why Do We Use Filler Words?
We use filler words for several reasons, most of which are subconscious:

Thinking Time: They give your brain a moment to organize thoughts.
Avoiding Silence: They fill gaps that might otherwise feel awkward.
Signaling Continuation: They tell listeners you’re not done speaking yet.
Softening Statements: Words like “kind of” or “maybe” make you sound more polite or less assertive.
Sounding Relatable: Filler words make casual conversations feel more natural and authentic.

Are Filler Words Always Bad?

Not necessarily. Occasional fillers make you sound human and relatable. However, when overused, they can make you seem nervous or unprepared—especially during presentations, interviews, or meetings. The goal isn’t to eliminate them entirely but to control them.

Before and After Example

Here’s how much difference it makes when you remove fillers:

Before:

“So, um, I think, like, the reason we should, you know, start earlier is because, um, it’s better for planning.”

After:

“I believe starting earlier helps us plan more effectively.”

Clear, confident, and concise—simply removing the fillers transforms the tone.

Try This: The 60-Second Challenge

Record yourself talking about any topic for one minute. Play it back and count how many filler words you use. Then, try again—this time pausing instead of filling silence. You’ll immediately notice how much more confident you sound.

How to Reduce Filler Words

Pause Instead of Filling: A moment of silence sounds more confident than “um.”
Practice Speaking Slowly: It gives your brain time to think ahead.
Prepare Your Thoughts: Outline what you’ll say before meetings or speeches.
Use AI Tools: Apps like Yoodli and Speechify can analyze your speech and track filler word frequency.
Record and Review: The more you listen to yourself, the faster you’ll improve.

Expert Insight

Communication experts note that filler words are part of natural speech rhythm. Instead of fearing them, focus on awareness and balance. Confidence grows from clarity, not perfection.

Helpful Tools and Courses

Product / Course	Type	Why It’s Useful
Udemy Public Speaking Masterclass	Online Course	Step-by-step guide to confident speaking
Yoodli AI Speech Coach	App	Detects filler words and tracks progress
Blue Yeti Microphone	Hardware	Ideal for speech practice and podcasts
Grammarly Premium	Writing Tool	Helps refine written communication for clarity
Headspace	App	Reduces anxiety and improves focus before speaking
“Talk Like TED” by Carmine Gallo	Book	Teaches storytelling and public speaking mastery

Filler Words Reveal Though Process

Filler words reveal our thought process and humanity in conversation. Instead of fearing them, understand why you use them, and learn to manage them strategically. Whether you’re presenting at work, recording a podcast, or just chatting with friends, mastering your pauses will make every word count.

FAQs

Are filler words bad in all situations?
No. They’re fine in casual conversations but should be minimized in professional contexts.

Do all languages have filler words?
Yes. Every language includes natural pauses or sounds that serve the same purpose.

Can I train myself to stop using them completely?
You can reduce them significantly, but some usage is natural and human—it’s about awareness, not elimination.

Stop Saying “Um”: What Filler Words Are and How to Eliminate Them for Good