How can I remove words from my speech such as "like","you know". "man"?

Question

I want to stop swearing when I speak and to quit using words and phrasing that I feel make me sound uneducated but even though I will consciously make the effort, I still find myself repeating these same speech patterns.

Answer 1

I used to say 'like' all the time too. I just told my friends that I was trying to stop and each time I said it they stopped me. It was really annoying but it made me stop saying those words so they would stop interrupting me.

Answer 2

Actually it's not that difficult. If you follow a form of behaviour modification using self-punishment, you should be able to do it very quickly. Here's what you do, take an elastic band which fits comfortably over your wrist but is not loose or tight. Then every time you catch yourself saying the targeted words, stretch the elastic and give your wrist a painful snap. Don't worry if in the beginning you don't realize EVERY time you use the word. You will, eventually, and your subconscious brain patterns will come to anticipate the pain triggers (ie. the words or sometimes actions) and will avoid them by not supplying your conscious with the offending vocabulary. Think of it as an electronic anti--bark collar on dogs which zaps them every time they bark - eventually they stop because they anticipate the pain, which is based on the same principle. Have fun with it, get different coloured elastics, and most of all good luck.

Answer 3

It is very difficult. I spent many years in the Marines and since I have been out, find myself thinking carefully about how, what I say, and when I say it to people. I often slip but it really takes a concious effort.
Eventually you will rid yourself of the "habit" but it will take time. Try substituting a different, more acceptable word in place of the ones you wish to refrain from using.

By doing this you will have to THINK about what you are saying, helping you realizing that you are saying something that you wish to change. Good luck.

Answer 4

Make a conscious effort to avoid these words. If you do use them - continue the conversation - but over a period of time you will find that you can eventually stop using them.

Answer 5

1.) "If You really care..."
2.) "As You should know."
3.) "Sir !"

Try these "phrases".... but sometimes I think it is better to use a hard and unique language than sounding "well educated"...
Some people are "from the Bronx (or from Queens)" --- what is wrong with that or hearing them talk in their own slang !??

Good luck, son. Find out Yourself.

Aaron

Answer 6

Its nervousness when speaking that makes you fill the gaps with all these phrases and yes it is annoying for the other person.
Pause before you speak and think about what you are going to say'Like ... er... yow know.. what I mean.. er.' you may grow out of it .

Answer 7

Its a habit, and has to be broken by conscious effort. You're aware of it now, and trying. You'll be able to kick this in time, just keep aware of what you're saying or are about to say.

Answer 8

Think for 5 seconds before saying anything and dont try too hard and too quickly to express your views or while chatting even.
Its a habit. I had it too.

Answer 9

Just stop using those words.

Pretty simple for a guy that has a full vocabulary.

Answer 10

i grew up in Pontiac Michigan and im gay i have this really odd dialect id love to break ya know? maybe we can hang out some time?