By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Here's a big secret of mine: I used to have a serious "um" problem. While watching videos of myself presenting, I was shocked by how often I said it. It was so cringey! Recognizing this was a huge step, and I worked hard to eliminate "um" from my presentations. But, funny enough, once I got rid of "um", I started saying "so" all the time 🤣!

If you’ve ever wondered why your brain seems to slip these little filler words into your speech, you’re not alone. Filler words like um, so, you know, and like can sneak into our presentations, and have a big impact on how we’re perceived. If you want to level up your career, increase success on work projects, and build better relationships understanding and overcoming filler words is key. Especially when delivering important information in Medical Affairs. Let's dive into why you say 'um.'

Why You Say 'Um' – Understanding and Overcoming Filler Words

What Are Filler Words?

Filler words like um, so, you know, and like are verbal placeholders we use when we’re thinking about what to say next. While they may seem harmless in casual conversations, in professional settings like pharma and biotech presentations, they can undermine your message and authority.

Why Does Your Brain Say "Um"?

Filler words are a natural reaction to a gap in our thought process. Your brain is juggling multiple tasks: thinking about what you already said, what you are currently saying, and what you need to say next all at the same. Here’s why you say "um":

1. Your Brain Is Buying Time: When you're unsure of what to say next, your brain uses filler words to stall. It’s essentially giving you a moment to gather your thoughts without leaving a pause, which might feel uncomfortable.
2. Cognitive Processing: In pharma and biotech, you’re often sharing complex scientific data that requires deep thinking and precision. Filler words fill the space while your brain processes how to convey this information concisely and accurately.
3. Fight or Flight Response: Anxiety and nervousness often trigger a subtle “fight or flight” reaction, even in non-threatening situations like public speaking. Filler words act as verbal cushions that protect you from the discomfort of silence.

The Impact of Filler Words on Your Presentation

While filler words are common, their overuse can have serious consequences when presenting:

1. Decreases Confidence: Frequent fillers can make you appear less confident, even if you're an expert on the topic.
2. Makes the Flow Wonky: Filler words can disrupt the flow of your presentation, making it harder for your audience to focus on your message, especially when discussing complex scientific data.
3. Reduces Credibility: Overusing fillers may make you seem unpolished, reducing your credibility in the eyes of KOLs and colleagues.

To elevate your presentations to the next level and truly stand out, it’s critical to minimize these distractions. Your ability to engage your audience and deliver a polished presentation is what sets you apart.

3 Ways to Reduce Filler Words

Reducing filler words takes practice and awareness, but it’s completely possible to overcome them and deliver clear, impactful presentations. Here are three steps to get started:

1. Become Aware of Them: The first step to fixing any problem is recognizing it. Record yourself presenting and listen for the filler words you use most often. Awareness is key.
2. Slow Down Your Speech: Speaking too quickly often leads to filler words because your brain is struggling to keep up with the pace. When you slow down, you give yourself more time to process what you’re going to say next, which reduces the need for fillers. Slower speech also helps your audience absorb complex scientific information more effectively.
3. Enroll in Presentation Mastery: To truly master your presentation skills and reduce filler words, consider enrolling in a course like Presentation Mastery. We provide a comprehensive list of filler words to avoid and teach advanced techniques like strategic pausing, using transition words, and other methods to make your presentations smoother and more compelling. Don’t let filler words hold you back from delivering confident, clear presentations that make you stand out.

Conclusion: Why You Say 'Um'

Filler words are more than just brain stalling to think of what to say next. They can impact how your message is received and how your audience perceives your expertise. By becoming aware of your use of fillers, slowing down your speech, and developing stronger presentation skills, you can deliver clearer, more professional presentations.

What's your filler word(s)? Share with me on LinkedIn or post on the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page.

Level Up Your Presentations with Presentation Mastery 

Taking your presentation skills to the next level isn’t just about avoiding filler words. It’s about mastering the nuances of communication that elevate you from being a good presenter to a great one. When you master your presentations, you:

• Command the room
• Convey confidence
• Demonstrate your value

To do this, you need practice, self-awareness, and the right techniques. Get some virtual hand-holding from Sarah and me in our Presentation Mastery course and take that crucial step toward becoming a presentation pro.