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Clients asked to comment on videotapes of their performance often respond with their 'um' count. "I had four 'ums.'" "Well, I had six." So what! Any audience who is listening to your passion and is transfixed by your message is not counting your 'ums' or 'ers' or 'uhs' -- unless they are excessive. Remember:
- Audiences relate more often to a 'real person' speaking than to a professional orator. That brief 'um' or other hesitation simply conveys you are normal, spontaneous and sincere.
- If you do catch yourself saying 'um,' don't wince. Why advertise displeasure with your own performance when it isn't rattling your listeners?
- Concentrate on creating two-way communication with your audience. Remember, speaking is a relationship, not a sport with penalty points.
That said, if your 'ums' multiply into 'uummmmms' in every sentence as you search for the next thought, it is time for develop new coping mechanisms.
Happy New Year from Executive Speak/Write, oral and written communications trainers who help you Make your point. Get results. We look forward to meeting your future needs for skills improvement programs in writing, speaking and executive presence.
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