Filler Words Are Tiny But Have Big Impact
Filler words: the verbal glitter that feels shiny and connected but get everywhere and make a terrible impression. The biggest culprits in 2026 are “like”, “um”, “er”, “you know”, “so” and “basically”.
Filler: 'er', 'um', 'uh', 'so', 'basically' - and the dreaded Japanese knotweed of speech: 'like'
In everyday chats they can be harmless. Linguists point out that “um” and “uh” often signal that your brain is switched on, while a “well” or a “so” helps structure conversation.
In a presentation, however, too many blur your message, weaken your authority and make you seem under-prepared.
Research cited by Noah Zandan of Quantified Communications found that the optimum frequency is one filler word per minute, while the average speaker uses five of these mental speed bumps per minute - roughly one every twelve seconds.
Zandan’s team analysed more than 4,000 spoken communication samples and found that excessive fillers were negatively linked with audience engagement, authenticity and clarity.
That matters because a presentation is not just about what you say. It is about whether people can follow you, trust you and stay with you.
Vocal coach Roger Love, who trains high-profile public speakers and performers, has a famously strong view on the subject. Speaking to TIME, he said filler words are “destroying the English language,” and argued that a single misplaced “um” in a high-stakes presentation can make an intelligent speaker sound less polished. A little dramatic? Perhaps. But memorable - and not entirely wrong.
The useful reframe is this: filler words are not a moral failing - they’re just a lazy habit. They often pop up in two places: at the beginning of an answer and between ideas. Harvard Extension School communication expert Steven D. Cohen describes these as common hot spots.
Try this simple formula: Pause | Think | Answer. Rehearse out loud, record yourself and listen back, and ponder on how to bridge where the filler occurs most.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
All the best,
Paul n Vic
#AppliedImprovisation #YesAnd #BusinessInPlay #BusinessSkills #PersonalGrowth #AgilityinBusiness #AdaptabilityQuotient #PositiveEnergy #PlayfulSolutions #filler #FillerWords
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Activity Title
Aim: This will make you aware of how many filler words you use and what type. Sometimes they are so deeply ingrained in our vocabulary we don’t even notice until they’re pointed out.
Outcome: Become aware and eradicate the filler and you’ll have a more agile brain and a better handle on how to connect more strongly with others.
How it works: Set a timer for 2 minutes, hit ‘record’ on your phone and speak on a subject that’s either easy, medium or hard. Don’t look out for fillers - just listen back and count them. You can do this in a pair with the other person counting them.
Reflections: Which filler words do you favour? Can you actively practise your way out of using them?
