How do I stop saying "um" when speaking?
Slow down and use a brief silent pause where the um would go. Then record yourself and count, so you can see the number drop.
The full answer
"Um" and "uh" are filler words: sounds that hold your turn while your brain catches up. Trying to suppress them head-on makes you tense. Removing the need for them works better.
Slow your pace
Most filler comes from rushing. Slow down and the gaps stop feeling urgent.
Use a silent pause
A brief pause of silence does the job the um was doing. Pauses are one of the most important delivery skills to develop (Stand Up, Speak Out), and AmberWillo's filler-word guide recommends practising pauses in place of fillers.
Record and count
A recording is a very effective diagnostic device (Stand Up, Speak Out). Play it back, tally your ums and uhs, then redo the run.
Get a counter
At many speaking clubs, one member counts filler words during each speech. A friend with a tally sheet works too.
Count your filler words
Confidently counts every um for you, on a random prompt or on a full talk.
Practise out loud for freeFree on iPhone and Android
Sources
- Practicing for Successful Speech Delivery, Stand Up, Speak Out (Saylor Academy open textbook)
- How to Stop Using Filler Words in Public Speaking, AmberWillo