So, you’re practicing for a presentation. Firstly, hats off to you! Presentations are an incredible opportunity to share our knowledge and show who we really are. It might feel daunting at first, but the number one thing to remember is to be authentic. People are there to hear you, not anybody else! If you’re noticing pesky filler words, especially “um” and “uh”s in your presentation, you aren’t alone. Most of us use filler words! But there are easy tricks to reducing your usage, and how to stop saying “um” when you’re presenting. Get ready to become a stronger communicator with just 5 steps!
Why do we use filler words?
Filler words usually pop up when we’re nervous, thinking on the fly, or trying to buy ourselves a second to figure out what to say next. They’re basically space holders for our brains.
@askvinh The solution to saying UMM & AHH is simple… Whenever you feel like those words are escaping your mouth: Just pause… that’s it! Most people are uncomfortable with the silence between words, so they fill it with clutter which decreases the effectiveness of your communication. Simply pause for 1-3 seconds whenever the need to say UMM or AHH arise, and then just continue with your thought. Try it, and if you want more communication tips, I post daily on my account 👊
Examples of common filler words
Everyone’s got their go-to filler word. And these can differ across genders, cultures, languages, and countries. Some of the most common English filler words are:
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Umm (and here’s a guide to stop saying umm)
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Uh
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Totally
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Oh
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Ah
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You know
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Sorry
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Actually
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Okay
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Right?
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I mean…
So, even if you don’t say “um” when you’re presenting, you might use one of these other filler words. And that’s okay! Everything in moderation, right? 🙂 This brings us to the next thing to remember.
Are filler words bad?
Filler words, in scientific terms, are called vocal dysfluencies. Basically, they get in the way of your main message. But that doesn’t mean they’re always bad.
Let’s say you’re really thinking something through. Like if a friend suddenly asks, “Hey John, do you want to have kids when you’re older?”
And you’ve never thought about it before?
Then yeah, an “um” is a totally reasonable way to give your brain a sec to catch up.
But now imagine you’re giving a presentation on the pros and cons of having kids.
You’re the one holding the clicker. You’ve practiced. You’ve done your homework. You probably even made a slide with a cartoon baby on it.
At that point, dropping a ton of “ums” makes it look like you’re unsure—even if you’re not.
That’s when “um” and “uh” can start to feel a little distracting.
5 Steps: How Stop Saying “Um” When Presenting
1. Set a goal
You’re reading this article for a reason. You want to know how to stop saying um when you’re presenting. It’s as simple as that! So, write it down. Say it out loud. Make it your new mantra.
This isn’t just a “nice to have”—this is your mission now.
Put a sticky note on your laptop. Change your phone background to say “NO UMS.”
Whatever works for you to keep that goal top of mind.
2. Practice the speech
There’s an AI-powered app called UmmLike that tracks your filler words while you practice. It also gives you tips on how to practice for a speech, for everything from your pacing and speed to using too much jargon. We’re a proven way to help you stop saying um when presenting, with a moneyback guarantee.
If you’re aiming for a confident, polished speech, it’s a great tool to have on your side.
Or just hit record on your phone and listen back—you’ll learn so much just by hearing yourself.
3. Make eye contact
That old “imagine the audience naked” trick? Honestly, not that helpful.
What does help is eye contact.
Why? Because it gets you out of your head. Instead of overthinking every word, you’re connecting with the people in the room. And that makes everything feel way more natural.
4. Slow down
This one really matters. A lot of us speak faster when we’re nervous, and that’s when filler words sneak in.
Try to pause where you’d normally rush. Give your ideas a moment to land. One way to do this? Imagine you’re speaking to a 10-year old! Here’s why that works 👇
@prestonchinspeaks How to stop saying “um” or other filler words #fillerwords #um #communicationtipa #mindset
A calm, steady pace helps you sound more confident—and gives your brain the space it needs to stay on track. UmmLike will notify you whenever you’re getting a little too speedy!
5. Take a deep breath
You’re doing great. Really.
A lot of filler words come from nerves, and that’s totally normal.
But the more you remind yourself that it’s okay to take a pause—and that you don’t need to fill every silence—the more those filler words will naturally fade away.
You’ve got this. And even if an “um” slips in now and then? It’s all part of the learning.