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How to stop saying 'um' in interviews
25 September 2026 · 3 min read Sample
Filler words are normal. Here is how to make them less noticeable.
Everyone uses filler words. The goal is not zero, it is fewer and calmer.
Replace the filler with a pause
A short silence feels long to you and almost invisible to the listener. When you feel an 'um' coming, breathe in and say nothing for a second.
Slow down at the start of a sentence
Most fillers appear when you start speaking before you know where the sentence is going. Take a beat first.
Listen to yourself
You cannot fix what you cannot hear. Record a practice answer and count the fillers. The number usually drops quickly once you notice it.
Practise it out loud
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