{"id":60442,"date":"2018-10-28T18:45:05","date_gmt":"2018-10-29T02:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=60442"},"modified":"2018-10-31T19:03:28","modified_gmt":"2018-11-01T03:03:28","slug":"how-to-upgrade-your-speech-by-not-saying-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/how-to-upgrade-your-speech-by-not-saying-like\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Upgrade your Speech by Not Saying \u201cLike”"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

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Language and speech are a beautiful thing. And while there are countless books available on the \u2018correct\u2019 way to use words and sentences, ultimately the only right way is the way you wish. Each culture and sub-culture contains as many variations on the local language as it does individuals. Efforts to regulate the way people talk are often bound up in politics and social currents that have little to do with the best interests of those who are expected to change the way they speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

However! We do not each live in a bubble. While the \u2018fingerprint\u2019 of your speech is precious, there may be habits you\u2019ve picked up which \u2013 while not being \u2018wrong\u2019 \u2013 are less special than others. And these habits can be misconstrued by the people to whom you speak, who will interpret the nuances of your speech to mean stuff that you quite possibly don\u2019t intend to convey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take, for example, the filler. Filler words and sounds include things such as beginning a sentence with \u2018so,\u2019 or using the word \u2018like\u2019 all over the place to replace terms of approximation (about, around), said words (\u201cI was like, \u2018no way!\u2019), or just when you\u2019re struggling to find the correct word at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes we use these words because we feel rushed, or lack the confidence to use a more complex, precise alternative, or wish to convey that we\u2019re speaking in a \u2018down to Earth\u2019 way. Experts say<\/span><\/a> that the use of these words can actually be a sign of intelligence or thoughtfulness. The word \u2018like\u2019 modulates your sentence; it implies that what you\u2019re saying is nuanced and that you wish to express your meaning clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this is rarely the effect that such a filler has on the person with whom you\u2019re speaking. If you\u2019re chatting with a friend, chances are they don\u2019t notice your filler words altogether. But if you\u2019re addressing a stranger, or somebody with a different speech pattern to you (including your teacher, boss, or customer) they are likely to interpret your use of filler words as lazy, ignorant, or even dishonest!<\/span><\/p>\n

There are good reasons, then, for trying to eliminate filler words from your speech, if only for special occasions. When you control your manner of speaking, you can control the situation and create the impression of yourself that you wish to convey. Advantages of removing filler words from your speech include creating the appearance of being more assertive, interesting, and trustworthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sounds like a good idea? This new visual resource<\/span><\/a> is packed with methods for getting rid of those fillers.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/div>\n
Courtesy of: QuickQuid<\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

For example, slowing down your speech is an excellent way to regain control of your vocabulary and the situation at hand. When you\u2019re calm you appear confident and knowledgeable. And going slowly gives you a chance to pick out your words with care.<\/span><\/p>\n

Combine this approach with a more confident, upright posture, and you\u2019ll really start to look like you know what you\u2019re talking about! Standing straight makes you feel more confident, and scientists have shown that removing your hands from your pockets<\/span><\/a> makes you use fewer fillers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practice makes perfect. Listen carefully to the professionals (watch a TED Talk, a news opinion show, or even live sports commentary and figure out how they keep talking without using filler words. You can even re-watch them and talk along with them. <\/span><\/p>\n

Then try recording yourself for periods of up to two minutes at a time, for example improvising answers to potential job interview questions, or delivering your big presentation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recording your voice in this way will encourage you to practice. Listening back can be painful, but it\u2019s a very useful way to help you learn where and why you use those filler words. The more you detest the sound of your voice, and your use of filler words, the greater the aversion you\u2019ll have to use them when it counts!<\/span><\/p>\n

And there\u2019s nothing like getting your friends and family involved to help you learn. Choose someone who you spend a lot of time with, and ask them to let you know whenever they catch you using a filler word. (Give them a list of the filler words up front so they don\u2019t keep stopping you for nothing!).<\/span><\/p>\n

With your crew on board, you\u2019re certain to kick the habit before you re-enter the professional arena. Just don\u2019t forget to tell them when to stop, so you can go on being yourself at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

John Cole writes on behalf of NeoMam Studios. A digital nomad specializing in leadership, digital media, and personal growth topics, his passions include world cinema and biscuits. A native Englishman, he is always on the move, but can most commonly be spotted in the UK, Norway, and the Balkans.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Website: gjohncole.com<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/gjohncole<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Twitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/gjohncole<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Gravatar: https:\/\/en.gravatar.com\/gjohncole<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Language and speech are a beautiful thing. And while there are countless books available on the \u2018correct\u2019 way to use words and sentences, ultimately the only right way is the way you wish. Each culture and sub-culture contains as many … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11179,"featured_media":60571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[6,31],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Upgrade your Speech by Not Saying \u201cLike"<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Avoiding the use of filler words in your speech will help you come off as smarter and more confident to your peers. 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