Language coach: filler words reveal a speaker's insecurity

Language coach Evelin Kivimaa explained on Terevisioon that using filler words indicates a person's lack of confidence in their speech. According to her, the best way to break the habit is to pause and stay silent.

Language coach Evelin Kivimaa said on ERR's show "Terevisioon" that the use of so-called filler words is not merely a habit — it reflects the speaker's inner insecurity.

According to Kivimaa, the solution is simple: instead of saying "well", "or well", or "like this", one should simply stay silent and pause. Pauses in conversation are nothing to be ashamed of — on the contrary, they are a natural and even beautiful part of spoken communication.

The language coach stressed that a person who uses many filler words often feels pressure to fill every silent moment with something verbal. Conscious pausing, however, helps to gather one's thoughts and makes speech clearer and more credible.