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We’ve
always said that some of the worst speaking advice people
often hear is “slow down.” Speaking slowly makes you sound
tentative and, according to a study out of Canada, less
intelligent.
That’s
right, slow talkers that use lots of filler words are often
judged as ignorant when compared to faster speaking
counterparts, according to Robert Gifford, Ph.D., of the
University of Victoria in British Columbia.
Gifford
taped high school kids answering tough questions and then
played the tapes for other students. The ones that spoke
faster and avoided the “uhs” were perceived to be smarter.
We think
that the same goes with adults in business. We often urge
our students to speak faster. Slow talkers come across like
they’re unsure of their information.
Of course
you should also resolve to get rid of filler words like “um”
and “you know.”
It’s not
as hard as you might think. Here are a few steps to
stop the filler words.
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Resolve to be conscious of the problem for a few
weeks. Three should be enough for anyone with a serious
filler word problem.
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Sensitized your brain to know when you’re using
filler words. Most people that use filler words don't
even hear them coming out of their mouths. Simply
becoming aware of the words helps eliminate them.
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Once aware of the words, work on closing your
lips whenever you sense you’re about to use a filler word.
Before
long, you’ll be speaking quickly and “um” free. And you’ll
sound a lot smarter.
At
Speechworks we help our clients learn how to give
communicate in a way that connects and persuades. 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 |
