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Stop Using “Like”, Like, Right Now!
A step-by-step strategy to stop overusing the filler “like”.
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Today, we’re going to tackle a common issue in spoken English – overusing filler words, specifically the word “like.”
Especially since some of you reported that you struggle with overusing it.
Filler words can make your speech less polished and can distract from your message.
But no problem, Aurora to the rescue!
Here are some strategies to help you minimize their use:
1. Awareness
First, become aware of your use of “like” and other fillers. You might not even realize how often you use them.
Recording yourself talking or asking a friend to signal when you use fillers can help increase this awareness.
P. S.: Congratulations to those commenters who reported the issue with them overusing “like” because that means you can tick off STEP 1!
YAY!
*applause*
2. Pause
When you feel the urge to say “like,” pause instead.
This gives you a moment to think about what you want to say next.
Pauses can actually enhance your speech by giving your listeners time to absorb your points.
Am I the only one that finds it extremely frustrating that in every day interactions, particularly in high-stakes environments like business or academia, such pauses are undervalued?
I noticed from personal experience that in a society that prizes quick responses and fast decision-making, taking a moment to pause and reflect is often misinterpreted as hesitation or ignorance.
The pressure to deliver immediate results leads individuals to use fillers like “like” to buy time, masking their need for a thoughtful pause to access deeper insights.
3. Slow Down
Speaking more slowly reduces the need to fill space with unnecessary words.
It also allows you to think through your sentences more thoroughly, which can reduce the use of fillers.
The transformation of “like” into a habitual part of speech illustrates how unconscious conditioning shapes our behaviors.
Without mindfulness, repetitive actions or words become ingrained, creating automatic responses that lack intentionality.
4. Plan What To Say
If you’re in a situation where you can prepare in advance, take advantage of this.
Plan out key points you want to cover.
This preparation can help you feel more confident and reduce the need to fill gaps with “like”.
5. Expand Your Vocabulary
Sometimes, we use “like” because we can’t find the right word.
Improving your vocabulary can help you express yourself more precisely.
For example, instead of saying:
“It was like, really good,”
you could say,
“It was fantastic.”
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you practice speaking without fillers, the more natural it will become.
Try engaging in conversations without using “like,” or join a speaking club, where you get constructive feedback.
7. Replace Fillers with More Precise Language
In cases, where “like” is used to introduce examples or comparisons, try using “for instance,” “such as,” or “namely”.
These terms can make your speech sound more authoritative and deliberate.
8. Accept Some Use
Finally, remember that it’s okay to use some fillers.
There’s absolutely no need to judge yourself or others for anything! 🙂
Natural speech isn’t perfect. The goal is to reduce excessive use, not to eliminate these words completely.
Takeaway
By implementing these strategies, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your speaking clarity and effectiveness.
Keep practicing, and soon, reducing fillers will become second nature to you!
Disclaimer:
This article is intended to improve your English proficiency and not as advice for digital writing, which should be accesible and simple.
Share in the comments:
What are some English words or phrases you find challenging?
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