Hey ,
When I was in middle school, my teacher called me out for saying “like” constantly. She counted how many likes I said in my presentation.
I think the final count landed on 18. (Eye roll)
At the time, I hated her for embarrassing me and making me look bad in front of my friends, but that stuck with me.
I still said “like” constantly. “I, like, so crush on Mike. I, like, think he’s great, like, awesome, like, like, like.”
So annoying.
But then slowly, I started to become aware of it. Gradually, I cut it out of my speech.
Later on, I started noticing “like” isn’t the only filler word I would use. I use “kind of,” “maybe,” “sort of,” “you know.”
I started cutting those out as well.
I’m not saying I never say them today. I do every now and then.
If I’m in a space where I want to address a specific point or talk about something I’m really passionate about, I need people to get what I’m saying, I’m super conscious of those filler words being taken out.
You can have such an AMAZING point that you’re sharing and communicating with somebody…but your point will not land if you’re using fillers.
It waters down your speech, and people will lose interest in what you’re saying.
This fiery statement you’re about to say will come across as a little poof of hot air.
Your groundbreaking point is now a little nudge.
Work to get rid of these filler words.
We want to speak with conviction when addressing other people at work, at home, about things that are important to us.
Record yourself and just keep it running.
I mean, even an hour, two hours where you forget about it even being on. Then listen to it and listen to your languaging, listen to the structure of your sentence.
Also, ask people around you to call you out when you’re using these words.
You may be annoyed when they interrupt you as you’re speaking.
However, look at this way: they are going to support you in cleaning up your communication in order to be a well-spoken, powerhouse communicator where everyone is clear how feels.
You can also simply become consciously aware of how you’re speaking.
Pause before you speak. Slow down your speech. Pay attention to how often you begin a sentence with “um” or “like.”
How amazing does that sound?!
I highly encourage you to make that recording. You’ll be amazed at how useful it will be!
Send me your recording or tell me what you’re struggling with in your communication.
I want to help you improve your speech like I have!
