The cost of ‘fillers’: why ‘err’ and ‘um’ can clutter our communication and degrade our credibility.

The words we choose to use are incredibly important.

When we speak out loud though, formally or informally, it is easy to litter our message with ‘fillers’.

Do you know what I mean by fillers? Oh, y’know, they are, like, kind of, basically, those seemingly harmless utterances that, um, slip into our daily speech habitually - and sometimes unconsciously.

So why do we use them? Linguists report that fillers are sounds or phrases that we use to give us time to think, such as when we are unsure, or are searching for the appropriate word in the moment.

It is not just “err” and “um” that we lean on; sometimes, even more elaborate phrases such as “at the end of the day” or “to be honest with you” serve a similar, space-holding function.

A few of these over the course of a conversation are almost inevitable and barely noticeable. It’s also worth noting that, in moderation, filler words can serve useful social functions. They can soften direct statements, indicate empathy, and signal that the speaker is thinking or not yet finished. In informal or conversational contexts, a few fillers may even make speech feel more natural and relatable.

Whilst it’s true that strategic use of fillers can foster connection, it is of course a question of balance. Unthinking or excessive use of ‘crutch words’, as they are sometimes called, chips away at your message.

If left unchecked, fillers can sabotage our professional credibility and dilute our impact.

It’s worth the effort to reduce them from our speech, but how do we do this?

Here are a few simple strategies to start:

1. Record yourself regularly

   Listen to recordings of your conversations or presentations and do so compassionately, without cringing! Most of us loathe to hear our own voices played back at us, so we try and avoid doing so - but it’s vital to get over it. Awareness is the gateway to progress and without knowing what your favourite fillers are, they will be difficult to reduce.

   
   

2. Practise pausing instead of ‘filling’

   Replacing the extraneous noise of a filler with silence can be a powerful alternative in communication and allows your message to land, as well as giving you and the recipient time to think.

   
   

3. Slow down

   Most of us could do with slowing down, or at least varying the pace of our speech, especially in formal settings. Speaking at a more measured pace can help reduce the temptation to fill the gaps.

The journey towards more impactful verbal communication starts with self-awareness.

As you craft your next conversation or presentation, slow down and enjoy the space between your words.

Sometimes, the most powerful way to build credibility is to embrace silence.