Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Even adults do it! These are called filler words, and they usually sneak in when your brain is still thinking but your mouth is already moving..So, how do you stop?The first trick is to pause. That’s right — just stop and breathe. A short silence is way better than filling it with “umm.” In fact, when you pause, you sound more confident and in control.Next, try slowing down. When you talk too fast, your words tumble out and your brain tries to catch up — that’s when the filler words pop in. Slow, steady speech gives you time to think clearly.Another smart idea is to practise impromptu speaking. Pick any random topic — like “My favourite street food” or “If I had a pet dinosaur” — and talk for 30 seconds without stopping. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll get.You can also record yourself and listen. Count how many times you say “um” or “ahh.” Then try again and see if you can reduce it.And here’s a bonus tip: Learn to use linking phrases like “Let me explain,” “Here’s what I mean,” or “That reminds me of…” These help you move from one idea to another without awkward pauses.Remember, speaking well isn’t about using fancy words — it’s about being clear, calm, and confident. The next time you talk, trust your voice. You’ve got this.Slow down your speechWhen you speak too fast, your brain races ahead of your mouth. That’s when filler words sneak in. Slow down, and give yourself space to breathe and think.Replace “um” with a silent breathTrain your brain to pause with a breath instead of a filler. It feels strange at first, but becomes natural with practice.Think in ideas, not full sentencesDon’t memorise word-by-word. Speak in chunks or points. This keeps your speech more natural and reduces the pressure to “fill space.”Practise with a timer or recorderRecord yourself reading or speaking for one minute. Listen back. Count how many “um”s or “ah”s you used. Then try again — and beat your score!
