Use self awareness to become a more confident speaker

What do you think of people who litter their speech with um, ah, us, like, so, and other meaningless “filler” words?

Or, of people who articulate what they think with a rich vocabulary?

Filler words do serve a function -- to pause so we can think -- but with self awareness, you can mentally pause, taking the moment you need silently, so you project confidence. 

Here’s the surprisingly simple technique I have taught dozens of speakers, presenters, and everyday people. 

Tap your thigh every time you hear yourself use a filler word.

That’s it.

You’ll become aware that you’re doing it, and awareness is the first step to change. 

You can of course record yourself talking, but that only goes so far.

Tap your thigh for a week and you’ll automatically start removing it from your speech.

No one needs to know, but take notice how they react to your improvements.