Use of filler words in Speech, Causes, Therapies & Precautions to Avoid the Use of Filler Words | Speech Disorder & Speech Therapy

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Use of filler words in Speech, Causes, Therapies & Precautions to Avoid the Use of Filler Words | Speech Disorder & Speech Therapy
Use of filler words in Speech, Causes, Therapies & Precautions to Avoid the Use of Filler Words


What are filler words?

Filler words, also known as verbal crutches or discourse markers, are words or phrases that are used to fill the gaps in speech, to provide a pause, or to give time to think. Some examples of filler words are 'um,' 'ah,' 'like,' 'you know,' 'well,' 'so,' 'basically,' 'actually,' and 'literally.'

Causes of Use of Filler Words

The use of filler words can be caused by various factors, such as anxiety, lack of confidence, nervousness, lack of preparation, and lack of knowledge on the topic being discussed. Sometimes, people use filler words to sound more conversational or to establish rapport with the listener.

Therapies to Reduce the Use of Filler Words

If you find yourself using filler words too often, there are some strategies you can use to reduce their usage:

Practice mindfulness: Being present and aware of your thoughts and surroundings can help you to become more conscious of your speech patterns and reduce the use of filler words.

Slow down: Take your time to think and formulate your sentences before speaking. This will give you more control over your speech and reduce the need for filler words.

Practice public speaking: Speaking in front of others can help you to become more confident and improve your ability to speak fluently.

Get feedback: Ask others for feedback on your speaking patterns, specifically on your use of filler words. This can help you to identify patterns and make changes to your speech.

Precautions to Avoid the Use of Filler Words

Be prepared: If you are going to give a presentation or have an important conversation, prepare in advance by practicing what you want to say.

Pause instead: Instead of using filler words, pause for a moment to gather your thoughts. This can make you appear more thoughtful and confident.

Record yourself: Recording yourself while speaking can help you to identify patterns in your speech and work on reducing filler words.

Stay calm and focused: By staying calm and focused, you can reduce the need for filler words and speak more fluently.

Conclusion

The use of filler words is common, and we all use them to some extent. However, using too many filler words can distract from the message we are trying to convey and can make us appear less confident. By practicing mindfulness, slowing down, and seeking feedback, we can reduce the use of filler words and improve our communication skills. Remember, it's not about eliminating filler words, but rather about using them in moderation and with intention.

 



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