We all know speakers who do. The “it” is filler. Padding is placing sounds and/or words into a speech that don’t make sense and make it difficult for the speaker to get his or her point of view across to the audience. Examples of fillers are sounds like “ah” and “um,” words like “ok,” and phrases like “you know.”

Where it happens.

The filler is heard every time someone speaks in front of a group. We hear it in presentations, speeches, or simple committee reports. Most people “fill in” to some degree, especially when they have to “think on their feet” for an impromptu interview. The listener finds the filler distracting and annoying. The constant fill is hard to hear. The filler dominates the message, and an audience will turn off a filler rather than try to hear them.

Why do we do it?

We fill in because we are gaining time to think. Although it is advisable to think while we speak, it is better that we refrain from making meaningless sounds. while We think. Most people wear ear pads because they are nervous and think that while they are in the spotlight they must have sound coming out of their bodies continuously. Some padders will drag a “ahhhhh” for 3-4 seconds while they think about what to say next. Go ahead, take the time to think, but think quietly.

Are you a “father”?

The best way to know if you fill in is by recording your speeches. Once you are aware of this, you can begin the process of removing the filler. Almost everyone uses ear pads, but they often don’t realize it until they listen to themselves on tape. At Toastmasters, an international speaking organization, a member counts “ahs” to help members kick the habit. They are “The Wizard of Ahs”. Listen people, now that you are aware of it you will hear padding all day.

Silence is your friend.

If you find yourself padding, record all of your speeches as you practice them. Slow down and replace your notebook with silence. Silence is your friend. Whenever you feel the need to cushion yourself, keep quiet. It will take practice, but the padding can be removed. Silence is easy on the ears. Silence allows words to “sink in” so that they are clearly understood.

When a speaker addresses a group, his overall goal is to get his point across to the audience. The padding will interfere with his ability to achieve this goal. Everyone speaking in front of groups must be recorded. If they are indulging, they need to work on kicking the habit so they can become more powerful and effective public speakers.