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Two decades after the Frank Zappa song “Valley
Girl” popularized the filler word “like”, the
troublesome filler word is now entrenched in the
lexicon of investment bankers, doctors, and even
teachers, according to a recent Wall Street
Journal article.
As a result, companies like Speechworks are
thriving as they work to help stamp out “like”, “Uh”
and “you know,” the article says. The solutions
include having a class shout “beep beep”
whenever they hear a presenter use a filler
word.
Speechworks has found that the best way to
defeat filler words is to couple awareness with
the pause. First, become aware of the words. Many
people simply don’t hear themselves saying
“like” and “you know.” Then, when you find
yourself about to say the words . . . pause.
Here is our three step approach.
1.
Focus on the problem.
Resolve to be conscious of the problem for a few
weeks. Don’t pick any particular number of
weeks. But three should be enough if you have a
serious filler work problem.
2.
Notice the words.
Sensitize your brain to know when you are using
filler words. People that use filler words don't
even hear them coming out of their mouths.
Simply resolve to hear yourself using the
words. Just putting the thought in your head is
usually enough. You’ll start to hear them all
the time.
3.
Pause instead of saying “like.”
Once you’re aware that you’re using the words,
work on closing your lips whenever you sense
that the words are about to come out.
Pauses kill filler words.
Use these
techniques and before long, you'll, like, be
filler word free.
At Speechworks we help our clients learn how to
give communicate in a way that connect with
listeners. If you’re interested in becoming a
great communicator give us a call at
404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net |
