Hi, Michelle. A leader at our company has a lot of experience and knowledge to share. He works hard and deserves all the success in the world. His speaking in presentations is riddled with “ums” and “ahs,” and it’s hard to follow. Any tips for him?
My brain says, “Um, yes. I have some ideas.” If I were speaking to you over the phone or in person, I’d do my best to edit out the “um” and replace it with a moment of pause.
Allowing silences in our speech is a habit that is worth the work to develop. It makes us more powerful speakers and negotiators.
Please share this with your colleague: Break up with the “ums” so you use filler words only when you choose to, rather than by reflex. I’m confident you can make this happen. You’re already always addressing what has to improve yourself and in others to better serve clients. This change will be just another in the long list of edits you’ve made to offer improved service. In this case, you’re in service to your listeners.
When you add filler words, it’s something of a dodge from owning what you know. It’s showing your hand unnecessarily, and creates a one-down situation for you and your message. Using “um” or “ah” is common, yes, and your audience can get past it with extra effort on their part to decipher your message, but why make things harder for them?
You’ve got the floor when you’re presenting, so unlike in everyday conversation when fillers are used as placeholders, you have no one to compete with for attention. By inserting pauses instead of fillers, you make the most of your time in front of the room. As you land your messages more confidently, you polish your reputation as a leader.
In my role as an executive coach, I often sit in the back of the room (or the Zoom) and take notes to offer clients feedback about what they do well and could do better. Here’s what I evaluate: enthusiasm for and understanding of the topic, appropriateness of the topic for the audience, organization of main points, and citation of valid sources. Quality of speaking voice is also critical. Is the speaker confident, audible, and articulate? Are they using correct grammar and avoiding filler words, with full use of voice range and effective pacing? Body language counts, too, such as eye contact with no distracting mannerisms and effective use of gestures.
Sometimes we add fillers because we’re trying not to lose our train of thought. If that’s the case, there’s no shame in bringing a notecard to your presentation. I am a professional speaker, and I use 3” x 5” or 4” x 6” blank index cards for most speaking events. I write a few key words in a large font reminding me of points I want to hit. Glance down at your card to get your reminder, then return to eye contact with your listeners knowing you’re covering the must-have content.
So, sign up for a public speaking class, join a group, ask for feedback from listeners immediately after you present, and/or above all: volunteer to speak anywhere you can get your hand up as a volunteer. If you practice in personal life, strengths gained map over to professional life and vice-versa. Everyone wins. You and your messages gain credibility. Your audience enjoys listening. As you ditch a habit you no longer need, listeners better absorb what you’ve said with more gravitas in the message. I hope to hear you speak in person someday and wish you continued success.