Public Speaking: Avoid Word Whiskers
August 23rd, 2010 | 
Author: We are all creatures of habit and when it comes to public speaking we all seem to eager to adopt some bad habits!
In this article I would like to discuss those habits that we call word whiskers. What are word whiskers?
Word whiskers are those moments when we use expressions such as er, um, oh, ok, so, you see, you know. They are generally words or short phrases that we use to fill in time whilst we are thinking of what to say next. Most speakers do not realise that they are having a problem with word whiskers, which can make it all the more difficult to stop using them. When we listen to speakers that constantly say ‘um or er’ it can become very annoying and as a result the speaker loses our attention.
The best way to overcome this problem is first of all to listen to a recording or watch a video of our talks. Note how many times we use the same expressions. Next if possible ban those words from your vocabulary and give the talk again, recording it and see how you have performed. When you speak get in the habit of pausing when you need to think rather than using a word whisker to fill in the time. Pausing is a useful tool to let people know that you are about to say something important or to give them chance to digest what you said last. During that very brief pause you can gather your thoughts rather than saying ‘er’ or another phrase.
Many people and for some reason particularly trainers like to say ‘ok’ at the end of many sentences. It is probably a habit picked up because they have wanted to make sure that their students have understood the point just made but it does become nothing more than a habit after a while. In cases where you need to repeat yourself try and do so using different words and phrases. For example our trainer who may occasionally need to check on the understanding of students could say. “Are we all happy with this, any questions?”; “Before we move on – any questions?”; I want to make sure that we have all got that so please let me know if there is something you don’t understand.” All of those phrases are better than saying “OK?” and there are another 100 ways you could ask the same thing, so do develop a repertoire of phrases to use. It is also vital that you review and change them regularly before they end up becoming your new word whiskers or locked in trademark expressions.
Why not from time to time have your talks recorded and sent to an another speaker for review? You will note that I offer a video analysis service that can pick up on word whiskers and other speaking techniques that will help you to improve and maintain your speaking skills. Click here for more details.
Posted in presentations, Public Speaking, speaking techniques, speeches, Uncategorized | 
Tags: presentations, Public Speaking, speaking tips
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The trouble is, Roland, thinking about ‘word whiskers’ distracts speakers from their message.
Modern audiences love hearing about big ideas from real people. Real people aren’t perfect. And audiences know that. Wouldn’t you rather listen to a fallible, but genuine person than a polished actor?
I’m finding now that audiences forgive ums, ers, and OKs far more than they forgive simulated perfection.
I do agree with breaking habits, though. In fact, that can help create discomfort, too. And that’s not a bad thing if the speaker’s message is particularly important.
A good point raised David and thank you for commenting. I agree with a speaker being natural. The problem lies that these word whiskers are not natural for most people and they tend to be used excessively when presenters are nervous, ill prepared or have just become habit because of the former in the past. To hear a trainer for example say “OK” at the end of each statement does become annoying to the audience and trust me that is a sure fire way to lose your audience. Mistakes are not the problem for most reasonable people and if made some humour where appropriate helps everyone to enjoy the presentation.
I think of these as “fillers” and I am always aware of them now owing to the amount of transcriptions I’m doing (some clients like me to leave them in, some like me to take them out!). Y’know is a classic, too.
I agree that it’s a good idea to video yourself doing presentations and check for any oddities. Yes, being slightly hesitant and “human” is fine – obsessively shifting from foot to foot, as I used to do: not so much!
Thanks for your comment Liz. The latest filler seems to be “like” amongst younger people!
As well as good old yknawatchamean …
Indeed!