Language Tip: Avoid Filler Words for Clearer Speech

Many students unknowingly use filler words while speaking. These words can weaken your message and make you seem uncertain or unprepared. Common fillers include:

• um, uh, like, you know, actually, basically, literally, I mean, kind of, sort of, okay, right, so, well

To improve clarity and confidence in communication, try to pause briefly instead of filling silence with unnecessary words. Practice speaking slowly and clearly—this gives you time to think and your audience time to understand.

Reducing filler words not only sharpens your English but also boosts your professional image. Strong communication begins with clear, purposeful language—say what you mean, and mean what you say. 

For example:
❌ “I was, like, going to the library, and um, I saw my friend.”
✅ “I was going to the library and saw my friend.”

Notice how the second sentence is clearer and more confident.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in