Filler words are the small leaks in an otherwise strong message. 'Um,' 'just,' 'kind of' — individually harmless, collectively they make even a sharp leader sound uncertain. Here's what to cut and what to do instead.
The fillers to watch
Verbal tics ('um,' 'uh,' 'like'), softeners ('just,' 'sort of,' 'kind of'), and qualifiers ('I think maybe,' 'this might be wrong, but'). Each one shaves a little authority off your point.
Replace fillers with silence
The best fix for 'um' isn't another word — it's a pause. Silence feels long to you and confident to everyone else. Train yourself to pause where you'd normally fill, and your speech instantly sounds more deliberate.
Turn softeners into statements
Frequently asked questions
What filler words should executives avoid?
Verbal tics like 'um' and 'like,' softeners like 'just' and 'kind of,' and qualifiers like 'I think maybe.'
How do I stop saying 'um'?
Replace it with a pause — silence sounds confident, not awkward.
Do softeners really matter?
Yes — they quietly shrink your authority; turning them into direct statements sounds far stronger.
How do I break the habit?
Awareness plus practice with feedback. Book a free 30-minute class to work on it.
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