How to Stop Saying Like: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sound More Confident
Ever caught yourself saying “like” so much it distracts from your message? Trust us, if you are trying to stop saying like, you’re not alone. Filler words such as “like” and “um” are so common they’ve become verbal crutches. 90% of English speakers use them.
The problem with using filler words? They can make you sound less confident — even when you’ve got something important to say. But breaking this habit is totally doable. With a few simple strategies and the right tools, you’ll sound more polished, confident, and in control.
This guide is here to help you:
- Understand why we overuse “like” and “um.”
- Follow a simple 3-step process to reduce filler words.
- Discover how UmmLike, an AI-powered app, makes the process faster and easier.
Let’s get into it.
How To Stop Saying Like So Much
Before you can fix a habit and learn to stop saying like, you’ve got to know why you do it. Saying “like” and “um” happens for a few reasons:
Nerves Take Over: When we’re anxious or under pressure, silence feels awkward—so we fill it with words.
We’re in a Rush: Talking too fast means our brain struggles to keep up, and filler words fill the gaps.
It’s Contagious: If everyone around you says “like,” it’s easy to pick it up as part of your own speech pattern.
We’re Unaware: Most of the time, we don’t even notice we’re doing it.
Research backs this up. A 2019 study from the Harvard Communications Lab found that filler words are subconscious placeholders. They might give you a moment to think, but they also hurt how confident and credible you sound.
This TikTok creator, @etymologynerd, did an epic job at synthesizing why we say like so much (especially teenagers!)
@etymologynerd Replying to @CIA I'll have to do a part two on the "quotative like," where we use it to convey imprecise speech #linguistics #sociology #language #grammar #teenagers #english
♬ original sound - etymologynerd on substack
The 3-Step Process to Stop Saying “Like”
Breaking the “like” habit isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. These three steps can help:
Step 1: Get Aware of Your Filler Words
You can’t fix what you don’t notice. The first step is to figure out when, where, and how often you’re saying “like.”
- Record Yourself: Use your phone to record a conversation or practice speech. Listen back and tally how often “like” sneaks in.
- Ask for Honest Feedback: Friends, colleagues, or a coach can point out when you’re using fillers—even when you don’t realize it.
- Use UmmLike: This app takes the guesswork out. UmmLike provides instant feedback while you’re speaking, flagging every “like” or “um” in real time so you’re immediately aware.
Why Awareness Matters
Studies show that simply becoming aware of a habit can reduce its frequency by up to 30% in two weeks (Speech Institute, 2021). UmmLike helps you speed this up, giving you the clarity you need to start improving right away.
Step 2: Replace Filler Words With Pauses
Once you know when you’re saying “like,” it’s time to retrain your brain to pause instead. Here’s how:
- Pause Intentionally: Take a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts instead of saying “like.” Pauses make you sound thoughtful and deliberate—never awkward.
- Use Transition Phrases: Swap “like” for useful connectors like:
- “For example…”
- “To illustrate…”
- “In other words…”
- Slow Down: Speaking too fast increases filler words. Practice pacing yourself by breathing between sentences.
Step 3: Practice How To Stop Saying “Like” with Intention
Habits don’t change overnight. Consistent practice is key to building new speech patterns.
- Rehearse Regularly: Practice conversations, speeches, or presentations with a focus on reducing fillers. Record yourself or practice with friends.
- Use UmmLike as a Coach: UmmLike not only highlights filler words but tracks your progress over time. You can even customize it to flag specific phrases you want to eliminate.
- Read Aloud: Grab a book or article and practice reading out loud. It’s a low-pressure way to train your brain to form clear, filler-free sentences.
- Join a Speaking Group: Public speaking courses or groups like Toastmasters can help you refine your skills with real-time feedback.
How UmmLike Helps You Stop Saying “Umm” and “Like”
UmmLike turns practice into progress. Let’s say you are trying to practice for a speech. UmmLike gives instant feedback and tracks your progress to make sure you’re always improving. Plus, it’s customizable to your needs, so you can target your specific speech habits.
TikTok Inspiration: How to Stop Saying “Umm” and “Like”
Check out this video from TikTok creator Lexi Strechak (@lexistrechak). She shares a quick and relatable tip about using pauses instead of fillers, proving that even small tweaks can make a big difference.
Why Ditching Filler Words Changes Everything
Cutting down on filler words isn’t just about speaking more clearly. It’s about showing up as your best self—in every conversation, meeting, and presentation. Here’s why it matters:
1. You’ll Sound More Confident When You Stop Saying “Like”
A 2020 study from the University of Toronto found that people who use fewer filler words are perceived as more confident and credible. Confidence is magnetic—it draws people in and makes them trust what you’re saying.
2. You’ll Be More Persuasive When You Stop Saying “Um”
Research from BYU showed that clear, concise speakers are three times more successful in negotiations. Reducing filler words sharpens your arguments and makes your message hit harder.
3. You’ll Feel Less Stressed When You Say “Like” Less
Research from Welles University revealed a 42% drop in public speaking anxiety among people who cut back on fillers. When you feel in control of your speech, everything else feels easier.
How UmmLike Makes Things Easier
Here’s the deal: most people struggle with filler words because they don’t know when they’re saying them or how to stop. That’s where UmmLike comes in. This AI-powered app is like having a personal speech coach in your pocket. It helps you:
Catch Filler Words Instantly: Real-time alerts flag every “like” and “um.”
Track Your Progress: See how much you’ve improved over time.
Tailor to Your Needs: Focus on the words you struggle with most.
No complicated tools or guesswork—just simple, effective feedback that works with your schedule. Whether you’re practicing for an interview, a big presentation, or everyday conversations, UmmLike gives you the tools to speak with confidence.
Ready to Speak with Confidence?
Learning how to stop saying “like” is a game-changer, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and using UmmLike as your practice partner, you’ll see real progress—faster than you think.
Try UmmLike for free and start building the confidence you deserve. Every great communicator starts somewhere—why not start here?