The 3-Step Cognitive Technique to Eliminate Filler Words Permanently
Filler words ('um', 'uh', 'like', 'you know') occur when your vocal cords speak faster than your prefrontal cortex thinks. Here is the cognitive pause replacement habit that eliminates fillers.
Amit KasliwalCEO & Founder, Dehurdle
January 30, 20264 min read
The Friction
People say 'um' because the human brain perceives conversational silence as uncomfortable dead air. You fill the gap with filler vocalizations to signal that you are still holding the floor.
The 'Breathe on the Gap' Method
Instead of vocalizing the thinking gap, close your lips and take a quiet micro-inhalation through your nose.
What NOT to do: "We should, um, look at the database, like, maybe next sprint, you know?"
What to do instead: "We should [1-second silent pause] examine the database during next sprint planning."
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
2-Minute Spoken Drill
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
Practice speaking in Dehurdle with our Filler Word Alarm enabled. The system instantly detects filler sounds and displays a gentle on-screen counter.