A strategy to enhance speaking confidence and reduce the use of filler words like ‘um’ has been shared by a public speaking expert. Matt Abrahams introduced the concept of ‘landing phrases’ as a technique to improve speech delivery.
During an interview on the Huberman Lab podcast, a lecturer from Stanford Graduate School of Business discussed the significance of eliminating filler words that can undermine the effectiveness of one’s speech. Abrahams emphasized the importance of incorporating the ‘landing phrases’ approach into communication to sound more polished and authoritative.
Abrahams, the host of the podcast Think Fast Talk Smart, revealed that the breath technique he advocates was inspired by Jerry Weissman, a seasoned communication skills instructor. He highlighted the key role of proper breathing in speech delivery, emphasizing that exhaling while speaking prevents the use of filler words like ‘um.’
Encouraging individuals to implement this technique, Abrahams suggested practicing ‘landing phrases’ at the end of sentences or phrases to create a natural pause and improve speech flow. By focusing on breathing and intentionally pausing between phrases, one can eliminate filler words and enhance the overall delivery of their message.
Weissman, mentioned by Abrahams in the podcast, has previously addressed the issue of filler words in conversations. He advised paying attention to unnecessary terms like ‘like’ that detract from the clarity and impact of speech. Weissman’s insights underscore the importance of being mindful of language use to communicate effectively and professionally.
In daily interactions, the prevalence of filler words like ‘like’ may go unnoticed, but striving for a more refined communication style is important in certain contexts. Abrahams recommended regular practice of the ‘landing phrases’ technique by reading aloud and focusing on breath control to achieve noticeable improvement in speech delivery.