Speaking
How to Stop Saying “Umm” and “You Know” Too Often
Published on September 07, 2026
Do you often say “umm” or “you know” when speaking English? Learn simple techniques to speak more smoothly and confidently.
When you're speaking English and suddenly can't find the right word, you may automatically say “umm,” “you know,” or “actually” repeatedly.
Using these fillers occasionally is completely normal. The problem begins when they appear in almost every sentence.
One way to reduce fillers is to pause silently.
Instead of:
“Umm, I think, you know, this is probably a good idea.”
Try:
“I think... this is probably a good idea.”
A short pause can make you sound more confident than filling every silence with words.
You can also use natural phrases when you need time to think.
For example:
“Let me think for a second.”
“That's an interesting question.”
“I'm trying to find the right word.”
“What I mean is…”
These phrases give you time without making your speech sound uncertain.
Another useful technique is to slow down. Many learners speak too quickly because they are afraid of pausing. But speaking slightly slower can actually make your English clearer and more confident.
Record yourself speaking for one minute about a familiar topic. Listen to the recording and notice how often you use fillers.
Don't try to eliminate every “umm” or pause. Natural speakers use pauses too. The goal is simply to become more aware of your speaking habits and replace unnecessary fillers with confident pauses.
Using these fillers occasionally is completely normal. The problem begins when they appear in almost every sentence.
One way to reduce fillers is to pause silently.
Instead of:
“Umm, I think, you know, this is probably a good idea.”
Try:
“I think... this is probably a good idea.”
A short pause can make you sound more confident than filling every silence with words.
You can also use natural phrases when you need time to think.
For example:
“Let me think for a second.”
“That's an interesting question.”
“I'm trying to find the right word.”
“What I mean is…”
These phrases give you time without making your speech sound uncertain.
Another useful technique is to slow down. Many learners speak too quickly because they are afraid of pausing. But speaking slightly slower can actually make your English clearer and more confident.
Record yourself speaking for one minute about a familiar topic. Listen to the recording and notice how often you use fillers.
Don't try to eliminate every “umm” or pause. Natural speakers use pauses too. The goal is simply to become more aware of your speaking habits and replace unnecessary fillers with confident pauses.