Most of us think filler words such as ‘um,’ ‘so,’ and ‘like’ diminish our credibility (and just sound bad). So we try to avoid them in our speech. But there are times when they can be helpful — if you use them strategically.
First, they are useful when you need to be diplomatic. If you want to soften your message, perhaps to give someone delicate feedback, a hedge word like ‘just’ or a phrase like ‘We may want to consider’ can be an effective cushion. Second, filler words can help you hold the floor. If you’re in a meeting where people interrupt you, a well-placed ‘so’ can ward off interruptions while you transition to your next thought. And lastly, a ‘well’ or ‘actually’ can help you break into a conversation. Just make sure you are not cutting someone off mid-sentence.
* This tip is adapted from ‘Why Filler Words Like ‘Um’ and ‘Ah’ Are Actually Useful,’ by Allison Shapira.
