Mistakes in Your Everyday Speech
Mistake #3. USING FILLER WORDS
Another impromptu no-no is using filler words like “um,” “ah,” “well,” “like,” “you know,” “yeah,” and “to be honest.” They’re distracting, and make you sound hesitant (сомневающийся) and unsure. For example, if you say to your boss, “I think, um, I’ll be able to, ah, get that report in you know in time for the committee meeting,” your boss will not be convinced (убежден).
People use filler words when they’re thinking through their statements. They use “ums” and “ahs” to plug (прикрывать) the pauses. Your listeners need the pauses to think about what you’ve just said. Filler words are a big annoyance to your listeners.
Want to rid yourself of these pesky (раздражающий) expressions? Listen to yourself. Record yourself. And replace the filler words with silence. You’ll discover that pauses will make you sound far more decisive (решительный) and thoughtful.
