Maybe with some self-reflection and practice, I can kick this habit and speak more confidently and clearly.
To me filler words are just like any other word. They have meaning when you deliberately place meaning in them but when you use them to fill natural silence in your conversation they become superficial and hinder communication. In the end the reason we speak is to communicate our ideas. When the words we use get in the way of that clearly something needs to change. To some extent filler words can be a part of your identity as a communicator but I think they have become overused in the teenage repertoire. It’s better to say few meaningful words than a lot of filler ones.
One group of students debated how filler words make us sound.
I think filler words serve as a pausing moment for people to gather their thoughts and formulate their next words. I think they can help in conversations by emphasizing what you are trying to say but can also hinder meaningful conversations because it makes the speaker sound hesitant.
@Nia It is also hard for me to stop using the word “like.” I think this is because we typically use “like” in informal conversations, and it helps us convey our ideas more clearly, while providing comfort to the person you are talking to. If I don’t use words such as “like” in a conversation, sometimes I fear I sound unfriendly or robotic. So, I think using filler words occasionally doesn’t hurt anyone.
— Harnoor, Valley Stream North High School
@Nia I totally agree. I feel that using filler words makes the conversation flow more smoothly. However, in a more professional setting such as when one is giving a presentation, I think pausing between thoughts is better. Overall, the presenter could better convey their confidence and understanding of the topic that way. Although, in this situation, one has most likely reviewed and practiced what they should say. So, it may be easier to avoid filler words than it would be in a conversation.
Several urged healthy restraint when it comes to these verbal tics.
The right amount of filler words can allow for better comprehension and add subtle breaks in communication. However, the overuse of filler words can make the communication a little confusing and hard to follow. This is when it poses negative effects to communication, and it requires further explanation.
In discussions of filler words, one controversial issue has been the formality of using them. On one hand, some might argue that they allow for people to think of what they are going to say next and use them to fill in the time they use to think. On the other hand, others would argue that they are disruptive and are not needed to fill in for pauses in conversations. My own view is that the use of filler words are okay if they are not constantly being repeated. I personally think I use filler words too much, but in moderation, it is okay.
And a few suggested ways to reduce our use of “like” and “um.”
Like most people, I use filler words throughout my speaking because I immediately start trying to respond to a question or a previous comment and I haven’t fully thought through my response. That leads me to stop mid-sentence to think about what else I am going to say. It is not bad to do it every so often, but everyone should take the time to formulate their idea in their head more in order to minimize the filler words. I noticed when I prepare a presentation or speech for school, I use little to no filler words, as I am way more prepared on what I am saying. The same goes for many others when they give speeches and it enhances it, making it stronger. To get that time, I think I will be using phrases like “give me a second to think about that” or “I need a moment to think about that more,” which will give me more time to process my thoughts. Others should use tactics like this as those tactics will lead to less likes and ums.
