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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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