Filler Words: Verbal fillers like 'um,' 'uh,' 'like,' 'you know'

Filler words are the 'um, uh, like, you know' verbal tics that signal hesitation, undermine authority, and tank perceived expertise on sales calls.

What is Filler Words?

Under 2 fillers per minute reads as confident. Above 5 per minute, buyers start unconsciously discounting what you're saying. Practice and pauses — strategically replacing fillers with silence — are the fastest fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop using filler words?: Replace them with pauses. Pauses sound thoughtful; fillers sound unsure. Recording and reviewing your calls weekly is the single fastest improvement loop.