Thread by @ArmaniTalks

Filler words are bad when you overuse them.

☆Um, uh, like, so etc.

But if you use em every now & then, they can increase your likeability.

Pratfall effect: humans relate to humans with flaws.

Just don't overdo it

'I use a lot of filler words bro. Non stop. Any tips to fix it?'

Yep, I'll give you 2 fixes

But before I do...👀👇

I need to tell you about what exactly they are.

Fixes without knowledge is a short term solution

Let's make sure you understand filler words, so you have control

What exactly are they?

These are the words that we subconsciously add while speaking

And these words serve no purpose to the meaning of our message

Strong communication skills is using the LEAST amount of words necessary

Less is much more in the world of speaking & writing

'So why do we use it?'

The reasons vary

》We may use it as we are gathering our thoughts

》When we are nervous

》Or when we are tired
Etc

Depends on the person

'And why do I need to reduce filler words?'

Bc using them too much hurts your credibility

And comes off as distracting

Now with all that being said, there are fixes.

But before using the 2 fixes, find out which filler word you over use

For me, it was 'um'

And often times we have NO clue until we hear ourselves on tape, video or our friend tells us

If you have a friend who is over using a word, its best to gently bring it up & introduce them to this thread

Next up are the 2 fixes:

☆Pinch

☆Clicker

Let's go thru both

☆Pinch

Anytime you catch yourself using the filler word, pinch yourself!

And insert a pause instead

If you want the maximum results for this trick, then find a spot that you can constantly pinch rather than switching around

For me, it was my left chest

'Geezer bro. That sounds painful. Didn't you get bruises?'

I sure did

But this was battlescars I would gladly take to gain CONTROL over my 'ums.'

My bruises eventually disappeared

As did my filler word.

'Why did this work?'

Because you associated pain with the word

2 driving factors of conditioning human behavior is avoiding pain & seeking pleasure

The pinch tactic conditions your brain to associate pain with the filler word

It also conditions you to LEVERAGE a pause

Over time, the fillers fall away

And your speech becomes more polished

Ps: the stronger the pinch, the quicker you see results

This one is pain now, but it's worth the rewards

☆Clicker

'Alright bro. I'm not really about the pain Haha. Got an easier strategy?'

Yep.

Try the clicker method

With the clicker method, you click on the clicker anytime you say your filler of choice

There is no pain associated with this method

Yet you still bring conscious awareness to the behavior

'Any recommended clickers?'

Any tally counter clicker will do

Here is a popular one

amzn.to/2VJNs3r

Likewise with the pinch technique.

When you say a filler word....make yourself AWARE & insert a pause

And click the clicker

No shortcuts!!

Over time, your fillers will melt away.

But every now and then it may use one

'If I use one accidentally, should I be ashamed?'

Not really

In communication, you want to avoid black and white thinking

'I must never do this'

'I must always do this'

That can work in some scenarios

But be more gray with yourself

The Pratfall Effect states that humans like humans who act like humans

'Huh?'

They are cool with flaws

As long as it's not character flaws like bullying, lying & stealing

If you say one 'um' in your convo, don't hang your head in shame

All good

Now with that being said, If you over use it....

Then begin pinching or clicking asap!

We all have quirks in our communication

But only a few will bring conscious awareness to it.

And only a FEWER will do something after the awareness has been bought

Life is amazing when you can control your filler words vs the other way around

Invest in your communication

Invest in your future

For more practical speech tips, follow the homie @ArmaniTalks 🌍🚀