Mastering Public Speaking: Secret to Eliminating Err and Um

16 Jan 2024 · 1 min

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A short advice video by TJ Walker (YouTube) about handling filler words during speeches, presentations, and conversations. Walker argues that occasional fillers like 'um', 'and', or the conversational cue 'so' are not necessarily harmful and can serve useful communicative functions (e.g., signaling listening, buying thinking time, or showing respect when answering audience questions).

Chapters

Have you ever been embarrassed or mortified that you said when giving a speech, a presentation, a talk, or a conversation, well, cut yourself a little slack. There's nothing wrong with occasionally saying or and in fact, it can be helpful. If you're presenting and you're asked a question from someone in the audience and you say, that's actually useful. You're telling the person, I hurt you. I'm listening to you. I'm respecting you. I'm not just giving you some boilerplate without even thinking about it. I'm now reflecting so I can give you the best answer. Don't interrupt me yet, because I'm thinking. All of that is conveyed with so it's a perfectly useful verbal signal. Don't be afraid to occasionally say or.