What does “Ah,” “Um,” “So,” “Well,” and “Like” have in common? They are filler words and mostly likely they are littered through your public speaking.

A filler word is a sound or short word that serves no purpose which is inserted into a speech. Even polished speakers fall victim to this problem. It is especially prevalent when people are being interviewed or responding to questions on the fly. Why do speakers fall into this habit and more importantly, how can it be stopped?

In an article on the Harvard Extension website titled Tips on Public Speaking: Eliminating the Dreaded “Um”, leadership expert Steven D. Cohen shares why people default to filler words.

The simplest answer is that we have been conditioned to answer questions immediately from an early age. When our mother or father asked us a question, we were sure to answer right away—either because we wanted to show respect or because we were afraid of what would happen if we didn’t answer. Consequently, we feel the urge to speak when spoken to.

Cohen believes it is this urge to say something swiftly that is the source of filler words. Our minds are thinking quickly, and the mouth is making noise to pass the time until coherent thoughts emerge. Therefore, a possible solution is to simply slow down.

When you use a filler word such as “um,” you are thinking verbally. In other words, you are verbalizing your thought process. Armed with this information, it is easy to realize that the best way to avoid using filler words is to pause. If you are not speaking, you can’t say “um”!

Why is a pause so powerful? Cohen says that it provides two key benefits.

The next time you are asked a question, take a couple seconds to think about what you want to say. This pause serves two important purposes: it will help you begin powerfully, and it will help you avoid using a filler word. Pause, think, answer.

To learn more about how to reduce or eliminate the use of filler words in your speeches and responses, please read the rest of the article.