Dan Brecher
Counsel
212-286-0747 dbrecher@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Verbal Fillers: Are You Guilty of Um, Ah and Sort Of?
Author: Dan Brecher
Date: August 19, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Do you have a verbal “tic?” Get a tape of your last public speech, talk, oral argument or sales presentation. Are you starting your sentences with an “uh” or its common replacement “so?”
If these verbal fillers seem to find their way into your public speaking, you are not alone. Many of the talking heads featured on news programs, such as at CNN, MSNBC, FOX and Bloomberg, still populate too many sentences with words like “uh” and “um.”
The latest verbal fillers that seem to be popular are “so” and “sort of,” which initially seemed better than “uh” but still detract from the speaker’s message. “So” will inappropriately start some sentences, and “sort of” will appear mid-sentence where it imparts nothing and doesn’t belong. Don’t get me started on teenagers and “like.”
Even President Barak Obama is not immune. When he is thinking carefully while speaking impromptu, he relies on both “uh” and “ah” frequently.
Of course, people who live in “sort of” glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. If you have detected verbal fillers from your own oral presentations, removing them is often no easy task. Below are a few tips:
Pay attention: Self-awareness is a first step. Record your oral presentations to determine what verbal crutches you tend to use and under what circumstances.
Slow down: Fillers tend to crop up when our mouths have trouble keeping up with our brains. Slowing down and speaking more deliberately can help eliminate the need to use “uhs” and ahs.”
Learn to embrace silence: Not all silence is bad. It is ok to pause and gather your thoughts without inserting a verbal placeholder. In fact, a small break may actually allow the audience to more fully consider what you have said.
Practice: Think about what you are going to say before you speak. The more confidence you have in what you are saying, the less likely you will be to use verbal fillers as a crutch.
If you have any questions about this post or would like to discuss the issues involved, please contact me, Dan Brecher, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.