“These are filler words,” says Sawchuk. “We typically say about one a minute, but before an audience, we may use five every minute, that’s about 12 per second.”
Distributors, as well as all business professionals, are expected to give presentations more than ever today. These presentations may be before a small or large group of people. According to Mike Sawchuk, president of Sawchuk Consulting, who works with these business professionals helping them refine their presentation skills, the big problem is that many use words like “ah,” “um,” and “you know” in their talks.
“These are filler words,” says Sawchuk. “We typically say about one a minute, but before an audience, we may use five every minute, that’s about 12 per second.” Sawchuk says using this many filler words can have serious business ramifications.
For instance:
- They are distracting. Soon the listener pays more attention to how many filler words you use than what you are actually saying.
- Listeners think you are nervous. “Listeners want you [to be] calm and commanding. They want to believe in you and what you have to say. You lose this with excessive filler words.”
- Your personality does not come through. “You may be the easiest going person in the room. But using filler words every 12 seconds covers up who you really are.”
- They tune you out. Eventually, listeners stop listening and look forward to your talk coming to an end.
So, how do we end this filler word problem? Because filler words are typically the result of being nervous before an audience, Sawchuk offers the following recommendations:
- Record your presentation and listen to yourself talk; become aware of how often you use filler words. This makes you more aware of them.
- Give your presentation before someone else and have them monitor your use of filler words; again, this makes you cognizant of them.
- At the podium, take a few minutes before you begin talking to gather your notes, your thoughts, and be comfortable.
- Look for a friendly face in the room and start your presentation looking at that person. “And most importantly, be prepared, know your stuff,” says Sawchuk. “This will make you feel assertive and in command. The filler words will soon disappear.”
Magazine & eNewsletter
Printed Monthly Magazine
Published monthly, Material Handling Wholesaler offers feature columns and special coverage of relevant industry issues and products.
Digital Monthly Magazine
Published on the fourth Thursday of each month, Material Handling Wholesaler offers feature columns and special coverage of relevant industry issues and products.
Material Handing Wholesaler Weekly Newsletter
Our Weekly newsletter is emailed every Tuesday and contains the latest Industry Events and People News, Source Directory, and important Industry Links.
Forklift International Weekly Hot Sheet Newsletter
Published every Monday morning with the latest material handling equipment
available for sale.
Related Posts
Our Current Issue
Magazine & eNewsletter
Our magazine is published and mailed monthly, Material Handling Wholesaler offers feature columns and special coverage of important industry issues.
Weekly Newsletter – Get the latest industry events and people news in this weekly e-newsletter as well as direct access to Wholesaler’s Source Directory and link.
Current Supplements
Listen to this article In the September issue, we typically cover the latest developments in finance, rental, and leasing, providing…
Listen to this article A new lifting beam that enables forklifts to more efficiently carry longer loads is now in…
Listen to this article The Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at a target range of 4.25% to…
Listen to this article Do you know an exceptional woman making an impact in the material handling industry? Material Handling…
Listen to this article In response to demands for more effective tools for accelerating supply chain relationships, the Power Transmission…