filler words, pbulic speaking, speech

Speech Techniques: Avoid Saying ‘Um,’ ‘Ah,’ or ‘You Know’

When you are nervous, you often start saying words/sounds like “um,” “ah,” or “you know.” These words/sounds are filler words that don’t add any value to what you are saying. By avoiding saying these, you’ll come off as more confident and straightforward in your speech, which makes you sound more professional. You can often tell ...

Mike West

A woman practicing her speech.