When talking in public what is the best way to stop yourself saying "um" all the time?

Answer 1

You need to be aware of what you're saying as most people have a tendency to use "garbage words" to fill in the blanks.

I should know, I used to "um" like crazy when I was younger and one of my bosses brought me up on it. I then started paying more attention to what I was saying and realised how often I actually used it. I eventually taught myself to pause in those places where I would have said "um" instead and it's served me well.

Now I give dramatic pauses when I speak which a lot of people have said reminds them of Christopher Walken. And as he's one of the coolest actors around, I really don't mind.

Answer 2

I took a class in public speaking in college, and it basically comes down to, know your subject well, rehearse it out loud to yourself a few times to see how you sound, and make sure you speak slowly enough for people to understand you. Take a deep breath before you start to speak, and try to let yourself relax. Know that these people want to hear what you say, and nothing makes people want to leave a speech more than someone racing through their words, umming the whole time, and looking really disorganized. Just prepare yourself well, and you should do fine!

Answer 3

Practice Practice Practice. Be prepared. We use the word "um" because we are looking for something to fill the gap until we think of the next thing to say. If you practice and are very prepared, you will be less likely to do that.
Saying "um" is a habit. Just like any other habit, you have to work at not doing it.
Tape yourself speaking and watch it. That will make you more aware of it when you speak.

Answer 4

It is better to be silent for a moment then to say um. Just take a breath instead, pause then speak for more dramatic effect. Also, try to prepare what you are going to fully say before just blurting out the first part without knowing what you're going to say next.

Answer 5

Try toastmasters. It's a good way of practicing giving speeches, but allows allow you to be in a non-threatening envirionment where you can practice. They also count "ums" when you speak and will help build confidence in speejubg,

Answer 6

Hi! Umm... well... Lol, jk! I have the same problem sometimes, and the reason is because you're caught off guard, and also due to stress, so the best way to tackle this is to prethink what you are about to say, so you're not just babbling off the back of your hand.
Because then you have to think, and like myself, I tend to go ummm if I'm thinking out loud xD. That's all I got, it helped me, hope I helps you too! xx

p.s. According to people around me, it's really annoying, so good luck handling it! :)

Answer 7

a very very hard habit to break..the best thing i have found is to try to eliminate using "um" all the time..in your every day speaking....become aware of when you do it and ask good friends and co-workers to point it out...this way you can train yourself to be more aware of when you are doing it..the other thing that can help is to pratice your speeh many many times..and record yourself doing it....so you can hear when you are saying "um"...and become aware of stopping it...it will take some time....

Answer 8

People tend to say umm, or any personal phrase as a time filler.

First, not every second needs to be filled. Sometimes it's ok to have some dead time.

Second, speak more. Give classes, volunteer, join toastmasters. Nervousness makes it worse for you, and contributes to brain lock.

Third, either know your subject very well, or study up beforehand.

Answer 9

It takes practice when doing public speaking. You're just nervous which is natural. Know your subject and try to insert a funny story if you have one.

Answer 10

i used to do this all the time, but i would realize other people doing it and i hated how it sounded, so i made a conscious decision to stop. then everytime i talked, i would pay attention to saying it and i would stop myself. also, i happeded to be taking a speech class that year and doing a lot of speeches helped me with it. it just takes practice and the ability to realize when you say "umm"