How to Stop Saying "Um" and "Uh": Embrace the Pause and Ditch Perfectionism
Worried that you say “um” and "uh" too much when you speak?
In this short but powerful episode, I explore why we use filler words like “uh,” “you know,” and “like” - and how to start reducing them without sounding stiff or over-rehearsed.
I’ve heard from so many of our clients how frustrating it feels to listen back to a presentation and hear those filler words take over. But you don’t need to eliminate them completely to sound confident - you just need the right strategies.
I walk you through 3 simple, effective tips you can start using right away to become more aware of your speaking habits and to communicate with more clarity and presence:
- Embrace the power of pausing and let silence work for you
- Practice out loud to train your brain and recognize filler word patterns
- Slow down and speak for connection, not perfection
This episode is your quick yet meaningful guide to sounding more assured and grounded every time you speak, whether you’re presenting on Zoom, leading a meeting, or recording your next podcast.
Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.
For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.
For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.
The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.
Join us for our three-day speaking retreat, happening in February 2027, in Downtown Orlando, Florida.
You'll create and refine high-impact Signature Stage Segments - the kind that set you apart as a speaker; practice onstage multiple times with our expert coaching and feedback; and professionally film your dynamic segments in front of a warm, supportive audience so you have edited video and a speaker reel to show event organizers what you can do.
Our retreat is limited to 12 women, so get all the details and request your place at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/.
Early bird pricing is on for a limited time.
You'll create and refine high-impact Signature Stage Segments - the kind that set you apart as a speaker; practice onstage multiple times with our expert coaching and feedback; and professionally film your dynamic segments in front of a warm, supportive audience so you have edited video and a speaker reel to show event organizers what you can do.
Our retreat is limited to 12 women, so get all the details and request your place at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/live/.
Early bird pricing is on for a limited time.
