187. How to Stop Saying Um and Sound More Confident at Work

Send us Fan MailYou know the answer. You have a strong point of view. But as you start to speak, you hear it happen: “So, um, I think one option we could look at is...” By the time you reach your actual point, the room has already formed an impression, and it is not the one you wanted.Here is the part most women leaders miss: filler words are not the problem. They are the symptom. And once you understand what they are covering for, you can replace them with something that makes you sound like the leader you already are.In this Monday Momentum episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton reveals why filler words creep into your speech, why willpower alone never eliminates them, and the one small habit that replaces them with something that reads as authority. This is a delivery shift you can practice in your very next meeting.What You Will LearnWhy filler words are a symptom, not the problem, and the underlying discomfort that actually produces them.Why trying to eliminate “um” through willpower never works, and what to do instead.The one small habit that replaces filler with something that signals authority, and how to use it the next time someone puts you on the spot.Who This Is ForThis episode is for high-performing women in middle and senior management who know their material cold but want their delivery to carry the same authority as their expertise.Your Action StepThis week, pick one meeting and practice the pause. When someone asks you a question, take one full breath before you respond. Then lead with your answer. You will feel the silence more than anyone else in the room, and you will notice something shift in how you show up.Common Questions About Filler Words and Confident SpeakingWhy do I say “um” so much when I speak?Filler words show up in the gap where your brain is still forming the thought. They fill the silence so you do not have to sit in it while you think.How do I stop using filler words?Not through willpower. Replace the filler with a single breath, then lead with your point. The pause does the work the filler was trying to do.Does pausing really make you sound more confident?Yes. A pause signals that your response is worth considering. It reads as deliberate, while filling every gap with “um” reads as uncertain, even when you know your material.Ready to Go Deeper?Book a complimentary Leadership Strategy Call with Kele to talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what it will take to get there.About Your HostKele Belton is a communication and leadership trainer who specializes in helping women leaders develop confidence and impact through strategic communication and practical leadership frameworks.Connect with KeleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com