Public Speaking
How to stop saying “um”
Filler words aren't a character flaw. They're your brain holding the floor while it plans the next words. The goal isn't zero fillers — it's fewer, so your point lands.
Count your fillersWhy fillers happen
Most fillers appear at the start of a sentence or between ideas, when you're deciding what comes next. They increase under pressure, when you're unsure of the answer, and when you speak faster than you can plan.
1. Replace the filler with a pause
A one-second silence sounds confident to a listener, even though it feels long to you. Practise noticing the moment you'd say “um” and close your mouth instead.
2. Slow down slightly
Fillers cluster when your speaking rate climbs. Aim for a comfortable conversational pace and put full stops in your speech — finish one sentence before starting the next.
3. Know your first sentence
Many fillers come right at the start of an answer. Before answering, decide your headline in a few words, say it, then explain.
4. Shorten your sentences
Long, chained sentences joined by “and… so… like…” force you to plan mid-flight. Shorter sentences give you natural places to breathe.
5. Practise out loud, and measure
Reading tips doesn't change habits; speaking does. Record yourself answering real questions, count your fillers by type, and compare over a few sessions. autopodi does this automatically, showing fillers per minute and which words you rely on.
What not to do
Don't try to eliminate every filler in normal conversation — some are natural. And never treat stuttering or restarts as the same thing as filler habits.
Frequently asked questions
How many filler words is normal?
It varies by person and situation. Rather than chasing a universal number, compare yourself with your own previous sessions.
Is 'like' a filler?
Sometimes. 'Like' used to compare things is fine; repeated 'like' between phrases works as a filler.
What would autopodi ask you?
Count your fillers