Eliminate filler words

These are words or sounds you insert into sentences when you're pausing to think. Examples: 'um', 'like'. Too much of these will annoy your audience.

When you simply pause in silence, rather than trying to fill the thinking space with the hiccup, you end up sounding wise and like yo...

• Speak clearly and with an even tone. Not too loud or too quiet, as you could come across as dominating or shy.
• Using filler words such as ‘um’ or ‘so’ or filling in gaps with ‘like’ or ‘you know’ will make you seem less knowledgeable. Pay special attention to your usage...

If you're worried about presenting in front of people, DiResta has a few quick pointers that are easy to remember:

• Instead of looking at a sweeping sea of people, focus your attention on one person in the audience for 10 seconds, then switch to another person. This mak...