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| You know those words...uh, like, um, etc. Those words you use to fill in the pauses while you're speaking. They aren't evil, but you should be aware when you say them, and ask yourself if you are overusing these little fillers--especially if another word will do.Take a look at the clips below: |
Justin Bieber says "like"a lot.
Girl on MTV can't stop saying "like"
Natalie Portman um accepts her um Oscar
Even the president of the United States could use some work on his ums!
Mmkaay Mr. Mackey?
So, how do you kick the “ah, um” habit and avoid these words
in natural conversation? First you need to be aware of when you're using these filler words. Here's a game to play that will help:
Goal: Avoid saying the taboo words “Ah”, “Um”, “Like”, or “You Know”.
Preparation:
- List of topic ideas
- Timer
How to Play The Ah, Um Game:
1. Separate everyone into groups of about three or four. A person must talk to their group about a certain topic for one full minute without saying the following taboo words: “Ah”, “Um”, “Like”, or “You Know”. If the person does not say the taboo words in the round, then the person can move to the second round. If they accidentally say a taboo word, then it'll be the next person's turn.
2. Have one person in each group volunteer to be first. Use the timer/watch to track a minute and announce one of the topics listed below.
3. Afterwards, have a different person from each team volunteer to go next and repeat the same exercise as above. The people who avoid saying the taboo words are the winners of the game.
- List of topic ideas
- Timer
How to Play The Ah, Um Game:
1. Separate everyone into groups of about three or four. A person must talk to their group about a certain topic for one full minute without saying the following taboo words: “Ah”, “Um”, “Like”, or “You Know”. If the person does not say the taboo words in the round, then the person can move to the second round. If they accidentally say a taboo word, then it'll be the next person's turn.
2. Have one person in each group volunteer to be first. Use the timer/watch to track a minute and announce one of the topics listed below.
3. Afterwards, have a different person from each team volunteer to go next and repeat the same exercise as above. The people who avoid saying the taboo words are the winners of the game.
List of Topic Ideas (or come up with your own!)
-Favorite Movie
-Favorite Animal
-Best Gift
-Favorite TV Show
-What did you do last week?
-Summer Activities
-Birthday Party
-What would you do with 10,000 euros?
-What do you want to be when you grow up?
-What is your favorite activity?
-What is your favorite dessert?
-Favorite Animal
-Best Gift
-Favorite TV Show
-What did you do last week?
-Summer Activities
-Birthday Party
-What would you do with 10,000 euros?
-What do you want to be when you grow up?
-What is your favorite activity?
-What is your favorite dessert?
How'd you do? Which filler words are you more likely to use?
If you have a problem with "like" here are some tips to help you cut it out of your speaking:
If you have a problem with "like" here are some tips to help you cut it out of your speaking:
