-          Vice Presidential candidate, Caroline Kennedy’s speech on YouTube is available at 30 seconds into the speech and Caroline Kennedy has used the filler word “you know” 20 times. At the end of the speech lasting 2 minutes and 16 seconds the filler word “you know” occurs 40 times in all.

 

What is a filler word? - In the normal context it is the use of two dangerous words in conversation and presentations. “Basically” and “Actually”

 

Example:

“Basically what we are trying to basically address is lack of training. Actually the issue came up yesterday and basically we tried to sort it with the team members. Actually one of our team members spoke to your project lead for actually half an hour. Actually we could solve the issue but basically I feel team members need to actually attend the training that will happen every Thursday. Actually the duration is for 4 hours so that you have hands on, actually.”

 

What are fillers or crutch words?  
Fillers are essentially sounds or words spoken to fill up the gaps in the speech more so in a formal interaction like an interview or public speaking. We all use them at one time or the other. An occasional use of filler would go unnoticed like an occasional hiccup. But if you hiccup frequently, it is time to take notice of it.

Why do we have fillers or crutch words?
But why do we use fillers at all when they are not beneficial? You use if you are hesitant or uncertain of what to say or what you say. At other times, fillers are unconsciously used especially when you are nervous or tensed while speaking. In most cases, the crutch word is a habit so deep that one does not even notice it until someone points it out.

What is your crutch word?
“It is all that matters” was my crutch phrase. I never knew it until one day the students presented me a card with the words “it is all that matters” written all over it. That was a rude shock. I always felt proud that I had no crutch words. It took me a couple of days to cut the phrase out. What is your crutch word?

10 Ways to Erase Fillers: Here are 10 things that are time tested methods to wipe away fillers.

Practice makes you perfect.

1 When in Doubt, Shut the Mouth: Fillers need an opening to fill. An open mouth is the ideal space for a filler. The best thing to do to avoid fillers is to shut the mouth when not speaking. You only have to make a conscious attempt initially to say nothing when you have nothing to say. That way you can avoid fillers and crutch words.

2 Think Consciously and Speak slowly: Awareness, Swami Vivekananda said, is the key to success. It applies here too. You should be conscious of what you think. Then say it slowly, deliberately articulating the thoughts. And even then should a filler slip in, follow rule number 1.

3 Rewind a Filler Sentence and Play the Correct One: Even after you follow the first two tips, there are chances that a filler may just pop up. Then all you have to do is to repeat the sentences sans the filler or crutch word. This is ideal when you are practicing your talk. It can be used when you go ‘live’ too. For example, you said, ‘I have, er, a great friend, who, um, is new to the town.’ Go back and rephrase the sentence or repeat it without the er or um. This is ’spot-training’.

4 Go on a One Minute Filler Diet: During the day, when you are free, talk to yourself on any topic for 60 seconds and all the while make a conscious attempt to speak without using fillers for those 60 seconds. In a sense, go on a filler diet. If 60 seconds is too long, go on a 30 second diet.

5 Read Aloud for 10 Minutes Everyday: This is a tried and tested method. Reading aloud slowly and clearly reinforces the correct speech pattern. Reading is to the mouth and mind what exercise is to the body. Plus reading has positive side effects: it adds value in terms of vocabulary and sentence patterns.

6 Listen to Interactions and Catch the Fillers: The live interviews on the TV can be a good source for overcoming the filler problem. Watch the interactions and catch the fillers and better still count them. As said earlier, awareness is the key.

7 Pair and Play the Filler Count Game: If you can find a partner, then this is a good one. Each of you talk for a minute on a topic while the other counts the fillers. Whoever is the highest, treats the other.

8 Use the 4Ps:

Plan, Prepare, Practice, Perform: Like the 4Ps of marketing, there are 4Ps of public speaking. Each P is very important for the overall performance. Plan every detail carefully. Leave nothing to chance. Then prepare the draft. Rewrite it a 100 times if need be. Practice what has been prepared. Take care to practice correctly for wrong practice can end up with incorrect actions. These can lead to erroneous performance. Lastly perform as if your life depended on it.

9 Speak in Short sentences: The adage don’t bite off more than you can chew is apt here. Speak short simple sentences. That way you can avoid unnecessary mistakes. It will also very clear to the audience. On top of it, you will have control over your words. And over your fillers too.

10 If Nothing Else Works, Bite the Fillers: This sounds a bit rough but I have used it effectively on myself. The moment a filler slips out of my mouth, I bite my tongue. I bite it just enough to remind me of the mistake. In fact, it is biting the fillers figuratively. It helped me.

Posted via email from Prashannth.V