@re-joyce 6 January 2026

How to Avoid Filler Words When You Speak When I asked students and young professionals about their biggest struggle, one answer kept coming up: “I say too many fillers like "uhm, uh, you know," and it makes me sound less confident.” I get it. Back in college, I couldn’t stop saying uhm every time I was called in class. In interviews, I rambled just to fill the silence. It felt like no matter how much I prepared, my words betrayed me. Fast forward: I became a TEDx speaker and even spoke internationally for Toastmasters International, the world's largest non-government organization for public speaking. Here’s what I learned about cutting down filler words kahit kabado. 1. Slow Down Your Pace Most fillers sneak in because your mouth races ahead of your thoughts. Pausing, even for half a second, feels scary at first, but it makes you sound more confident and gives your brain time to catch up. Silence is more powerful than a filler. 2. Practice Structured Thinking Give your thoughts a simple framework before speaking. For example: PREP → Point → Reason → Example → Point This structure keeps you focused and prevents your brain from panicking into fillers. 3. Replace Fillers With Anchor Phrases Instead of “uhm,” try natural fillers that sound confident: 🤎 “That’s a good question…” 🤎 “Here’s how I see it…” 🤎 “Let me explain…” These are just starting points. If you want a full system of drills, frameworks, and real-life speaking exercises to help you think fast and speak with confidence in recitations, interviews, and presentations. That’s exactly why I created my ebook: 📘 Kahit Kabado: A Confidence Guide for Every Filipino Who’s Ever Felt Afraid to Speak — ₱299 on REKO Filipino Ebooks — Or grab the Ebook + Webinar Replay Bundle (available until September 30) for step-by-step practice. 👉 Get your copy here: https://forms.gle/Sro45mW5GpaiZ7et8 If you want to train live with me, Kahit Kabado™ Group Coaching Lab – Beta is happening on September 27–28. Only 6 slots left. DM me "coaching" on Instagram. Let’s start here.