<p>Think about a time you've had to speak in front of others — maybe during a work presentation, a wedding toast, or even on a first date. Did you struggle with using too many filler words, such as "um" and "like," talk too fast, or awkwardly ramble?</p><p>Most of us try to fix these saboteurs of speech by giving ourselves mental mantras: "Slow down"; "Think about what you want to say."</p><p>But my guest would say that becoming a more engaging and effective speaker comes down to realizing that it's a very physical act that requires getting out of your head and into your body.</p><p>Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication coach who has worked with everyone from presidential candidates to business executives, is the author of <a href="https://amzn.to/3C1QpVA"><i>Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life</i>.</a> Today on the show, Michael explains why you need to treat speaking as a sport and shares embodied drills and exercises — from playing with Legos to talking with a wine cork in your mouth to throwing a ball against a wall — that will fix common delivery problems, including eliminating ums, enhancing vocal variety, and managing your gestures.</p><h2>Resources Related to the Podcast</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/becoming-well-spoken-how-to-minimize-your-uhs-and-ums/" target="_blank">AoM Article: Becoming Well-Spoken — How to Minimize Your Uhs and Ums</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/guide-to-effective-public-speaking/" target="_blank">AoM Podcast #698: The Secrets of Public Speaking From History’s Greatest Orators</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/leadership/tips-from-a-top-ted-talker-on-how-to-be-heard/" target="_blank">AoM Podcast #732: Tips From a Top TED Talker on How to Be Heard</a></li></ul><h2><strong>Connect With Michael Chad Hoeppner</strong></h2><ul><li><a href="https://gktraining.com/" target="_blank">GK Training</a></li><li><a href="https://dontsayum.com/" target="_blank">Don't Say Um website </a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchadhoeppner" target="_blank">Michael on LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://x.com/mchoeppner" target="_blank">Michael on X</a></li></ul><img src="https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2025/01/81nUCokheL._SL1500_.jpg" alt="Book cover features a speech bubble crossed out, saying "Um." Title: "Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life" by Michael Chad Hoeppner. Inspired by man's search for meaning, this guide empowers your voice—perfect for those looking to enhance their podcast skills." />


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