After realizing I used too many filler words in my speeches, I took on a challenge to track and reduce them. This journey dramatically improved my public speaking and confidence!
My Journey to Better Speech Started With a Reality Check
OMG, you guys won't believe what I just discovered about myself! So, I've always been super passionate about public speaking, especially when it comes to my climate activism presentations. But lately, I noticed something wasn't quite clicking with my audience, and I couldn't figure out why.
The Challenge That Changed Everything
After watching one of my recorded speeches about ocean pollution, I literally cringed at how many times I said "like" and "um." It was totally disrupting my important message! That's when I decided to take on this wild challenge - tracking every single filler word I used for an entire week.
I found this super cool AI-powered speech analyzer that basically became my bestie for the week. It's like having a personal speech coach in your pocket, but make it tech-savvy!
The Shocking Numbers (Warning: They're Kind of Embarrassing)
Day 1: 127 filler words (I'm not even kidding!)
- "Like": 52 times
- "Um": 43 times
- "You know": 32 times
By day 3, I was still hitting triple digits, but something interesting was happening - I started catching myself before the fillers slipped out. It's like when you become aware of your posture and suddenly sit up straighter!
The Tea on My Biggest Filler Word Triggers
Here's where it gets juicy! I discovered I use filler words the most when:
- Trying to explain complicated environmental facts
- Getting super excited about a topic
- Feeling nervous during presentations
- Talking to adults (especially teachers!)
- Recording TikTok videos (the pressure is real!)
The Transformation Process
No cap, this journey was harder than that time I tried to go plastic-free for a month! But here's what actually worked for me:
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Mindful Pausing Instead of saying "um" when thinking, I learned to embrace the power pause. It's giving main character energy, TBH.
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Preparation is Key Before important talks, I started outlining my key points. It's like creating a TikTok script, but for real life!
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Recording and Reviewing I recorded myself practicing speeches and casual convos. Watching them back was lowkey painful but super helpful.
The Final Results Had Me Shook
By the end of the week:
- Total filler words dropped to 34 per day
- My climate action presentations became way more impactful
- Teachers actually commented on how professional I sound
- My TikTok engagement improved (yes, really!)
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Here's the thing - filler words aren't just about sounding professional. They can literally make or break your message. When I'm trying to convince people about the importance of saving our planet, every word counts!
Some real benefits I noticed:
- More confident delivery in school presentations
- Better engagement during environmental awareness campaigns
- Clearer communication with decision-makers
- Enhanced credibility when discussing serious topics
Tips for Your Own Filler Word Journey
If you're thinking about starting your own filler word challenge (which you totally should), here's the tea:
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Start Small Track your speech during one specific activity first, like recording videos or giving presentations.
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Use Technology That speech analysis tool I mentioned? Game-changer! It gives you real-time feedback and helps you improve faster.
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Find Accountability Partners Get your friends involved! Make it a fun challenge and support each other.
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Practice Strategic Pausing Instead of fillers, try taking a breath. It's giving sophisticated vibes and helps you collect your thoughts.
The Unexpected Plot Twist
The wildest part? This challenge didn't just improve my speaking - it boosted my confidence in ways I never expected. Now when I'm presenting about climate change or leading environmental workshops, I feel like I can actually make people listen and care.
Final Thoughts (No Cap)
This week-long experiment literally changed how I communicate. Whether you're a student, content creator, or just someone who wants to level up their speaking game, being aware of your filler words is the first step to more powerful communication.
Remember, it's not about being perfect - it's about being intentional with your words. After all, when you're trying to change the world (or at least your corner of it), every word matters!
And honestly? If this 15-year-old climate activist can do it, anyone can! So, who's ready to take on the filler word challenge? Drop a comment below if you're in! 🌎✨
The Next Chapter
I'm definitely keeping up with this journey, and I'll be using that speech analyzer tool to keep myself in check. Because at the end of the day, clear communication is our superpower for creating positive change in the world!
Remember to stay rad and speak with purpose! Catch you in my next post! 💚🌿
