As a communication coach with over 20 years of experience, and the CEO of a communications training firm, there are few words I dread hearing more than “um.”
It’s a useless sound, and if used too frequently, it can adversely affect how people see you. In fact, research shows that when fast talkers produce a noticeable uptick in filler sounds, their audience’s impression of their competence decreases.
Here’s my best advice on how to become a more eloquent and decisive speaker.
I developed an effective and even fun way to eliminate egregious filler speech from your vocabulary. I call it “Silent Storytelling.” You talk, but without sound.
Imagine that you’re about to speak on live television, but the viewer has turned down the volume. You’re essentially on mute.
