Filler words. We all know them, we all use them, and let’s be real, they’re annoying. You might think it’s just you fumbling through a sentence with a bunch of ‘uhs’ and ‘ums’, but guess what? We’re all in the same boat, paddling away from clarity and straight into the sea of confusion.In this episode, I dig into the strategies to kick those pesky crutch words to the curb. We chat about how you can sound smarter (yes, you heard that right) by practicing your communication skills and being more aware of what’s coming out of your mouth. With tips ranging from joining a Toastmasters club to simply taking a pause instead of filling the space with ‘you knows,’ we’re here to help you become the smooth-talking superstar you were meant to be. So let’s ditch the filler words together and find out how to express ourselves without sounding like we’re stuck in a loop of hesitation!<h2>What Stays and What Goes?</h2>For me, any time I can make myself or a guest sound smarter I will do it. For me, I go for the low hanging fruit. This is when um someone just has um a standalone um all by itself. You can easily highlight it and press delete. The ums I leave alone are those that run into another word.&nbsp;Tool like <a href="https://supportthisshow.com/descript" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Descript </a>and <a href="https://supportthisshow.com/riverside" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riverside </a>have built in tools to remover filler words. Be careful with these as they can be a bit aggressive. A good edit is one that doesn't sound like an edit was made. This is why I don't obsess over every single filler words because we all occasionally say "um." It becomes an issue when people lose sight of what you're saying because they are distracted by how you are saying it.Takeaways:<ul><li> Filler words are the annoying little gremlins of speech we all battle with, and they're everywhere. </li><li> Practicing with Toastmasters is like getting a gym membership for your speaking skills, minus the sweat. </li><li> Confidence is key; the more prepared you are, the less you sound like a crutch-word factory. </li><li> Taking pauses instead of using filler words is like giving your brain time to catch up with your mouth, which is crucial. </li><li> Editing your recordings helps you become painfully aware of those pesky fillers, so you can kick them to the curb. </li><li> Using outlines and scripts can save you from sounding like you're making it up as you go, and trust me, that's a lifesaver! </li></ul> Links referenced in this episode:<ul><li><a href="https://schoolofpodcasting.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">schoolofpodcasting.com</a></li><li><a href="https://podcasteditoracademy.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podcasteditoracademy.com</a></li><li><a href="https://thepharmacistvoice.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thepharmacistvoice.com</a></li><li><a href="https://perrysburgpodcast.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perrysburgpodcast.com</a></li><li><a href="https://welcometoearthstories.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">welcometoearthstories.com</a></li><li><a href="https://askralph.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">askralph.com</a></li><li><a href="https://supportthisshow.com/descript" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Descript</a></li><li><a href="https://supportthisshow.com/riverside" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riverside</a></li><li><a href="https://www.toastmasters.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Toastmasters</a></li></ul> Mentioned in this episode:Podcasting In Six Weeks - Register Today!Ever wanted to start your own podcast but didn't know where to begin? Imagine creating and launching your podcast in just six weeks! 
Join our exclusive online class 'Podcasting in Six Weeks' starting August 7th. With only six spots available, this is your chance for personalized, live group coaching at a discounted rate. 
Prepare to go back to school and turn your podcasting dreams into reality. Sign up today and make your voice heard! Visit podcastinginsixweeks.com<a href="https://school-of-podcasting.captivate.fm/six-weeks">Podcasting in Six Weeks</a>My Live AppearancesI can't wait to meet and hang out with you! Check out my schedule at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where and if you'd like me to speak at your online or in person event, contact me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contact<a href="https://school-of-podcasting.captivate.fm/where">Where Will I Be?</a>Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community<a href="https://school-of-podcasting.captivate.fm/podcasting-observations">Podcasting Observations</a>Question of the Month August 2025Mark form Podcastbranding.co wants to know if you've ever hired someone to help you with your podcast? If so, for what purpose and were you satisfied with the outcome? 
Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com and answer the question by August 22nd 2025. When you answer the question, tell us a little bit about your show (elevator pitch) and where we can find it (your website so I can link to it)<a href="https://school-of-podcasting.captivate.fm/qotm">Question of the Month</a>

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