Ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation and realized you’re sprinkling the word “like” everywhere, as if you’re seasoning a salad? Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying “literally” when nothing literal is happening at all?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Filler words are like the comfy sweatpants of speech: they feel good to use, but they’re not exactly the best choice for every occasion.
While filler words might seem harmless, they can sneakily undermine your message, making you sound less confident, less assertive, and occasionally less aware of what you’re actually trying to say. Think of them as the verbal equivalent of doodling on your important notes during a meeting. Fun? Sure. Productive? Not so much.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at nine of the most common filler words that might be sabotaging your conversations. More importantly, we’ll show you what to say instead, so you can ditch the verbal crutches and start speaking with clarity and confidence. Ready to clean up your speech?
1. “Like”
Ah, “like.” The ultimate go-to filler word for many of us. It’s the Swiss Army knife of casual conversation—useful in almost any situation, whether you’re telling a story, explaining a point, or just, you know, trying to sound, like, totally chill. But here’s the thing: while “like” might make you feel at ease, overusing it can make you sound uncertain or even a bit scattered. It’s as if your brain is buffering, searching for the right word while your mouth fills the silence with “like.”
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there, peppering our sentences with “like” until it feels like we’re auditioning for a 90s sitcom. But what if there’s a better way to express yourself, one that doesn’t rely on this trusty little crutch?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: “Like” is frequently used as a filler to buy time while thinking, but overusing it can make you sound unsure and distract from your main point.
- What to Say Instead: Try pausing instead of saying “like.” This not only gives you a moment to gather your thoughts but also makes your speech more deliberate and polished.
By consciously cutting back on “like,” you’ll find that your speech becomes more powerful and focused. People will pay closer attention to what you’re saying, rather than getting lost in a sea of unnecessary fillers. So, next time you’re tempted to toss in a “like,” take a breath, pause, and let your thoughts flow without it. Trust me, your listeners will thank you.
2. “You Know”
Let’s talk about “you know.” This little phrase often sneaks into our speech like an uninvited guest at a party. It’s that thing we say when we’re hoping the other person is following along or when we’re not entirely sure of ourselves. In a way, “you know” is like a verbal nudge, a way of asking, “Are you with me?” without actually saying it. But here’s the catch: when you use “you know” too often, it can make you sound like you’re constantly seeking approval or second-guessing your own thoughts.
Imagine giving a presentation and ending every other sentence with “you know.” Before long, your audience might start wondering if they really do know, or worse, they might start doubting your confidence in what you’re saying. It’s one of those sneaky fillers that can quietly undermine the strength of your message, even if you don’t realize it.
So, how can you keep “you know” from hijacking your speech?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: Using “you know” too often can suggest that you’re constantly seeking validation or unsure of your statements.
- What to Say Instead: State your point confidently without adding “you know.” If you genuinely need confirmation, ask a direct question instead.
Cutting out “you know” from your vocabulary can be a game-changer. It forces you to stand by your statements and communicate with conviction. Instead of relying on this filler to bridge the gap, try delivering your points with certainty. Your audience will not only follow you—they’ll be more likely to trust and believe in what you’re saying.
3. “Basically”
“Basically” is one of those words that feels useful in theory. It’s like a shortcut to simplifying your thoughts, a way to boil things down to their essence. But in practice, it often ends up being, well, basically unnecessary. When you overuse “basically,” it can give the impression that you’re oversimplifying something important or that you’re not fully committing to your point. It’s like putting a big, flashing “warning” sign on your sentence that says, “Hey, this might not be the whole story!”
Let’s be real: if you’re constantly saying “basically,” it can start to sound like you’re dumbing down your message, even when the topic deserves more depth. It can also come across as filler—something to fill the space while you organize your thoughts. But the truth is, your ideas are probably clearer without it.
So, what’s the alternative to sprinkling “basically” into every other sentence?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: While intended to simplify or clarify a point, “basically” can come off as redundant and can oversimplify complex ideas, weakening your message.
- What to Say Instead: Skip “basically” and go straight to your point. Clear and direct communication is often more impactful.
When you remove “basically” from your speech, you’ll notice that your points come across more forcefully and with greater clarity. Your listeners will appreciate the straightforward approach, and you’ll sound more confident and authoritative. After all, if your point is worth making, it’s worth making without the fluff. So, next time you’re about to say “basically,” try diving right into your main point instead—you might be surprised at how much stronger it sounds.
4. “Actually”
Let’s start with “actually,” a word that often sneaks into our speech to add emphasis or correct a misconception. While it might seem like a harmless way to assert your point, “actually” can sometimes have the opposite effect. Overusing it can make you sound defensive, like you’re constantly correcting others or justifying yourself—when in reality, your statement might not need that extra push.
Imagine this: You’re in a discussion, and every time you share an opinion, you start with “actually.” Before long, it starts to sound like you’re more interested in proving something than in having a genuine conversation. It’s a small word, but it can carry a big implication, often signaling that a disagreement or correction is happening, even when it’s not necessary.
So, how can you avoid the “actually” trap and make your speech sound more confident?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: “Actually” is often used to emphasize or correct, but overusing it can make you sound defensive or overly assertive in an unnecessary way.
- What to Say Instead: Present your information confidently without needing to rely on “actually.” Reserve it for situations where it truly adds emphasis.
By cutting down on “actually,” you allow your statements to stand on their own merit. It helps you come across as more self-assured and less argumentative. If you truly need to emphasize a correction, there are other, more precise ways to do so. But in most cases, dropping “actually” will make your speech more fluid and natural, helping you engage in conversations without sounding like you’re always on the defensive.
5. “Literally”
“Literally” is one of those words that has, quite literally, been through a lot. Once reserved for factual and exact statements, it’s now commonly used to add emphasis—even when what you’re describing is anything but literal. While saying “I’m literally starving” might feel like a strong way to express hunger, the overuse of “literally” can quickly erode its meaning and make you sound less precise in your language.
The problem with “literally” is that it’s often used for exaggeration rather than its true purpose. This misuse can confuse your listeners or make your speech sound dramatic in a way that feels ungrounded. When “literally” is overused, it loses its punch, and your statements might start to feel less credible.
So, how can you express emphasis without falling into the “literally” trap?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: “Literally” is often used for exaggeration rather than its true meaning, which can lead to confusion or make you seem less precise in your language.
- What to Say Instead: Use “truly” or “really” if you’re emphasizing something figuratively. Reserve “literally” for situations where it’s factually accurate.
By using “literally” correctly—and sparingly—you’ll make sure that when you do use it, it has the impact it’s meant to have. Instead of diluting your speech with unnecessary exaggeration, you can choose words that more accurately reflect what you mean. This not only makes your communication clearer but also shows that you have a strong command of language. So next time you’re about to say “literally,” ask yourself if it’s really necessary—your listeners will appreciate the precision.
6. “Just”
“Just” is a word that often sneaks into our speech in an attempt to soften statements or requests. It’s a little word with a lot of influence, subtly downplaying whatever comes next. You might say, “I just wanted to ask…” or “I’m just wondering if…” without realizing that you’re inadvertently minimizing your own words. While it can make you sound polite or unassuming, overusing “just” can also make you seem hesitant or less assertive.
Think about it: when you say “just,” you often signal that your request or statement is minor or unimportant. But what if your ideas deserve more weight? By constantly adding “just,” you might be undermining the importance of your message and making it easier for others to overlook what you’re saying.
So, how can you strike the right balance and ensure that your words carry the impact they deserve?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: “Just” often serves to soften statements, making them seem less assertive or apologetic.
- What to Say Instead: Eliminate “just” from your sentences when it’s unnecessary, particularly in professional or important conversations, to convey greater confidence.
Removing “just” from your vocabulary can instantly make your speech sound more direct and confident. Instead of downplaying your thoughts, you’ll state them clearly and assertively. This small change can have a big impact on how others perceive you, especially in situations where you need to be taken seriously. So, the next time you catch yourself saying “just,” try rephrasing without it—you might be surprised at how much stronger your voice sounds.
7. “Kinda”
“Kinda” is one of those words that sneaks into our conversations without us even noticing. It’s often used to hedge statements, to soften what we’re saying, or to express uncertainty. For example, “I’m kinda sure” or “It’s kinda interesting.” While this might make you sound easygoing, it can also make you seem unsure or noncommittal, which isn’t always the impression you want to give.
Imagine you’re in a meeting and someone asks for your opinion. You respond with, “I kinda think we should go with option A.” The word “kinda” instantly weakens your statement, making it sound like you’re not fully convinced of your own opinion. This can lead others to question your certainty, even when you might actually be confident in your choice.
So, how do you avoid the wishy-washiness of “kinda” and strengthen your statements?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: “Kinda” (short for “kind of”) introduces uncertainty into your speech, making you sound vague or noncommittal.
- What to Say Instead: Be direct and specific in your language. If you mean “kind of,” say it sparingly, or choose words that clearly express your intent.
By ditching “kinda,” you can make your speech much more assertive and clear. When you remove this filler, your opinions and statements will come across as more decisive, making it easier for others to understand and respect your point of view. Whether you’re giving advice, sharing an opinion, or making a decision, dropping “kinda” helps ensure that your message is received with the full weight of your conviction.
8. “Honestly”
“Honestly” is a word that we often use to emphasize sincerity or to underscore the truthfulness of what we’re about to say. It’s like a verbal handshake, reassuring the listener that what follows is something they can trust. But here’s the catch: when you use “honestly” too often, it can have the opposite effect. Instead of reinforcing your honesty, it can make people wonder if everything else you’ve said wasn’t entirely truthful.
Picture this: You’re in the middle of a conversation and you say, “Honestly, I think this is the best option.” While your intent is to emphasize your sincerity, it might lead your listener to question whether your other statements were less honest. Overusing “honestly” can inadvertently cast doubt on your credibility, making it seem like you’re overcompensating for something.
So, how can you convey sincerity without leaning on “honestly”?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: Starting a statement with “honestly” can imply that your previous statements might not have been as truthful, which can undermine your credibility.
- What to Say Instead: Trust your words to convey sincerity without needing to preface them with “honestly.” Use this word only when it genuinely adds emphasis.
By removing “honestly” from your everyday speech, you can strengthen the impact of your words and ensure that your sincerity comes through naturally. When you speak with confidence and clarity, there’s no need to preface your statements with “honestly”—your audience will trust that you mean what you say. Save “honestly” for moments when it’s truly needed, and you’ll find that your speech carries more weight and authenticity.
9. “I Mean”
“I mean” is one of those phrases that seems harmless at first glance. It often slips into conversation when we’re trying to clarify or rephrase something we’ve just said. But when “I mean” becomes a habitual filler, it can make your speech sound less organized and more scattered, as if you’re constantly backtracking or unsure of your own thoughts.
Think about it: You’re explaining an idea and you say, “I think this approach will work better. I mean, it’s more efficient and saves time.” The phrase “I mean” can make it sound like you’re correcting yourself or struggling to articulate your point, even if that’s not the case. Over time, overusing “I mean” can give the impression that your ideas aren’t fully formed or that you’re not confident in what you’re saying.
So, how can you clean up your speech and keep “I mean” from muddying your message?
- Why It Ruins Your Speech: “I mean” is often used to clarify or rephrase, but overuse can make your speech sound scattered or unsure.
- What to Say Instead: Structure your thoughts clearly from the outset. If you need to rephrase, do so confidently without relying on this filler.
You can present your ideas more clearly and assertively by eliminating “I mean” from your speech. Instead of second-guessing yourself or rephrasing unnecessarily, focus on delivering your message precisely and confidently. Your listeners will appreciate the directness, and you’ll find that your speech flows more smoothly without the constant interruptions of “I mean.” With a little practice, you can break the habit and start speaking with greater clarity and impact.
Spoiler Alert: I’m Not Perfect Either (Obviously)
So, there you have it—nine filler words that are, like, kinda ruining your speech. And honestly, I mean, if you’re, you know, basically looking to sound more confident, literally cutting these out will, just, make a huge difference. Actually, I’m guilty of using almost all of these myself, but, you know, I’m working on it!
You see what I did there?
Filler words can sneak into anyone’s speech, even when we know better! The key is to become aware of them and start making small changes to reduce their use. By doing so, you’ll sound more confident, clear, and convincing in your conversations. So, let’s both keep practicing—together, we can “just” kick these habits for good!
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.