A public speaking expert has revealed a clever technique to boost confidence and reduce how often people say ‘um’ during conversations. Matt Abrahams explains the approach centres on what’s known as ‘landing phrases’.
The Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer discussed on the Huberman Lab podcast how we can eliminate ‘filler words’ that often make speech appear uncertain and less refined. He confirmed it’s a strategy he personally employs.
The expert, who presents the podcast Think Fast Talk Smart, explained to renowned podcaster Dr Andrew Huberman: “The best way I know to reduce filler words (especially the ones that are most annoying, and those are the ones that sit in silence, so I’m done speaking, um, and then I start speaking again – those are the ones that really stand out) is a breath technique. I learned this from somebody who has been teaching communication skills for a long, long time, his name is Jerry Weissman, and it’s called Landing Phrases.
“When we speak, we need to be pushing air out. If I am inhaling, I can’t speak. I invite everybody listening and watching to try to say “um” while inhaling. You can’t do it!”
He revealed that he implements this method in his own speaking. The secret lies entirely in breathing control, reports the Mirror.
He added: “So if I train myself at the end of my sentences and phrases to “land the phrase” – to be out of breath – I have to inhale. Not only can I not say ‘um,’ I can’t say anything: I build in a pause.”
He encouraged others who struggle with this hesitant, stuttering speech pattern to give it a go. He explained: “As you speak, train yourself to land.
“And the reason I call it landing a phrase… it’s like a gymnast who does all those flips and twirls and then they stick the landing. So at the end of each of my phrases, I’m completely out of breath. I inhale, and then I start speaking again.”
This is something most of us experience daily, whether in our own speech or listening to others. Words such as ‘like’ are typical examples – filler terms that pepper conversation but diminish its polish and authority.
In casual conversation, this may not matter. However, we all occasionally need to present ourselves more professionally, and this is where the lecturer believes his method can prove beneficial.
He explained to Dr Huberman: “You can reduce significantly the filler words. Now you have to practice this.
“And the way I teach everybody to practice: look at your calendar or schedule every day and once a day, read out loud everything on your schedule. And at the end of each one, land the phrase. So I might say:
- Going to lunch with Andrew.
- Working out at the gym.
- Seeing my son for dinner.
“At the end of each one of those phrases, I’ve landed my phrase, I’m out of breath. I’m training myself how to do that: you’ll get results.
‘Filler’ words we all use that the landing phrase technique could eliminate
The Jerry Weissman whom Mr Abrahams mentioned in the podcast has previously shared advice on filler words with Forbes. He advised the publication: “Listen to teenagers speak and try counting the number of times they say ‘like.'”
He provided Forbes with a list of several words that people frequently use which, while adding little value to our speech, serve as fillers. His list included:
- like
- you know
- basically
- stuff like that
- real quick
- probably
- kind of
- sort of
- I mean
- I’ll just
