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EP16: How to stop saying "UM" and "AH"
Welcome to Command Your Podcast Episode 16!
If saying "um" and "ah" were a competitive sport, most of us would already have Olympic gold medals. But don't worry, in this episode, we're breaking the habit and learning how to sound more confident, polished, and professional without those pesky fillers sneaking in.
In this solo session, we explore why filler words creep into our speech, what they signal about confidence, and how you can replace them with one of the most powerful tools in communication: the pause. You'll hear simple, practical techniques you can practice right away, from recording yourself to slowing down, and even trying a fun "pause drill" with a friend.
Whether you're a podcaster, presenter, teacher, or just tired of cringing at your own ums, this episode is your step-by-step guide to sounding clear, confident, and in control.
Episode Highlights:
00:40 – Why filler words like "um" and "ah" sneak into your speech 01:36 – How fillers connect to confidence (and what they signal to others) 02:00 – The surprising power of silence: why pausing is better than filling 03:12 – Technique 1: Record yourself and tally the fillers 04:09 – Technique 2: Slow down and let your brain catch up with your mouth 05:00 – The Pause Drill: practice answering questions with no fillers 06:00 – Why consistency (not perfection) is the key to improvement
Find out more & connect:
Instagram: @commandyourpresence.
Follow me for more communication and presentation tips!
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you don't miss the next one! Share it with a friend who's guilty of a few too many "ums" and "ahs", and don't forget to try the pause drill this week. Tag me on Instagram and let's celebrate your progress together!
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By Jacinda PattyWelcome to Command Your Podcast Episode 16!
If saying "um" and "ah" were a competitive sport, most of us would already have Olympic gold medals. But don't worry, in this episode, we're breaking the habit and learning how to sound more confident, polished, and professional without those pesky fillers sneaking in.
In this solo session, we explore why filler words creep into our speech, what they signal about confidence, and how you can replace them with one of the most powerful tools in communication: the pause. You'll hear simple, practical techniques you can practice right away, from recording yourself to slowing down, and even trying a fun "pause drill" with a friend.
Whether you're a podcaster, presenter, teacher, or just tired of cringing at your own ums, this episode is your step-by-step guide to sounding clear, confident, and in control.
Episode Highlights:
00:40 – Why filler words like "um" and "ah" sneak into your speech 01:36 – How fillers connect to confidence (and what they signal to others) 02:00 – The surprising power of silence: why pausing is better than filling 03:12 – Technique 1: Record yourself and tally the fillers 04:09 – Technique 2: Slow down and let your brain catch up with your mouth 05:00 – The Pause Drill: practice answering questions with no fillers 06:00 – Why consistency (not perfection) is the key to improvement
Find out more & connect:
Instagram: @commandyourpresence.
Follow me for more communication and presentation tips!
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you don't miss the next one! Share it with a friend who's guilty of a few too many "ums" and "ahs", and don't forget to try the pause drill this week. Tag me on Instagram and let's celebrate your progress together!