How to avoid saying "ah" while public speaking?

Answer 1

Substitute the "ah" for quiet time, this will give you enough time to think about what to say next, instead of trying to fill out the blank time with "ah". You will sound more professional, and the audience will get the feeling you are more educated and knowlegeable of your subject; whereas if you keep "ah"ing your way through the speech, the audience will believe you have no knowledge and are trying to fill in the void. Take a breath while you stop to think, so it flows smoothly with the audience.

Answer 2

Public speaking is an art that requires practice. Ah's, eh's, and um's are all common filler words that Americans use when they are unsure of their next set of words. For a prepared speech I would simply practice the speech several times before actually delivering it. However, if you are part of a situation that involves impromptu (no notes; press conference. e.g.) or extemporaneous speaking( limited preparation and some notes; class report . e.g.) breaking the "ah" habit will be much more difficult. First, instead of using a filler word, just pause for a moment. If you are at the end of a sentence this will appear very natural and I guarantee the pause will seem much longer to you than it will to the audience. The pause will benefit the audience allowing them to absorb what you have said, and also benefit you, eliminating the ah and providing time to reorganize thoughts.

If you listen to Jazz musicians speak about improvisation they will always mention the importance of silence in improvisation to providing actually musical quality. Imagine if The drums and horns never stopped playing. It would be a cacophony no one would enjoy. The same holds true for public addresses. A speaker that never stops is a speaker no one is going to truly listen to or at the very least enjoy.

Of course, you should practice avoiding filler words in all of your conversations. Habits we develop in everyday speech will also pop their heads up in public addresses. Therefor, even if you are just talking to a friend about some trivial matter, try to avoid filler words. Don't be afraid to ask you friends to point out when you use any.

As a final piece of advice, if nothing else seems to work to get rid of the ah's, I would suggest "practice sessions." Practice delivering a speech in front of an audience (humans, not cats or babies) and have the audience throw things at you or squirt you when you use a filler word. Physical teaching is even effective in speech.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

First, be certain you are very well informed on the topic about which you are speaking. The more knowledge you have on your subject, the less nervous you'll be talking about it. Next, practice your speech in front of a mirror and/or in front of friends and family and wear a rubber band around one wrist. Lightly snap the rubber band every time you say "ah". Do this as many times as it takes to stop saying it.

Answer 4

I used to have this problem. I fixed it by speaking slower and taking breaths. Whenever you feel like saying ah, just breath instead. Also, practice more. Say your speach in front of your family and friends. That way, you won't feel so much of the nerves that cause the ah's Eat a banana before giving your speach. That cuts down my nerves and my ah's too.

Answer 5

make sure you prepare for the speech. Rehearse it while looking in a mirror. bring note cards with you in case you become stuck or lose your train of thought. In all reality, it'd worse to say "um" while speaking publicly because it makes you seem like you have no idea what you're talking about. Ah can be played off quickly, while umm is a very distinctive, noticeable sound.

Answer 6

Practice public speaking is really the best way to stop it. Join a local Toastmasters group. During speeches they count the "ahs" you say, and most penalized you. Our Toastmasters charges you a penny every time you use "ah" in a speech.

It is fun way to improve your speaking.

Answer 7

Hi,
I was taught by a very old lady to think 'ah' instead of saying it. This also slows your speech down which gives the listeners time to take in what you've said.
More useful info on site below

Answer 8

Be prepared. Practice your speech ahead of time until you feel very comfortable with the speech you plan on delivering. You may also want to use note cards.

Try joining a public speaking club, such as Toastmasters Intenational.

Answer 9

The thing that worked best for me was to record myself giving a speech, and then to play it back to count the times I "ahh"'d or "umm"'d. Not only did recording the speech give me practice, but it also provided an opportunity for me to hear how badly my speech sounded when I filled quiet space with meaningless noise. Once you've listened to yourself take note of the places you add the Ummm's most, and spend some more time studying that area until you know it without a hitch - re-record over and over until you are certain of your material. Once you know your material, confidence replaces fear, and you'll get through your speech without UMMMMM's.

Answer 10

Slowly count to 3 before you begin speaking. Prepare by practicing several times and having good notes.