2.01.01 LEARN Vocabulary with Why CEOs Need To Stop Saying Filler Words, Especially "Um" and "Ah"

filler word

noun
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Terms in this set (19)
filler word

noun
words, sounds, or phrases we use to "fill in" the space when we don't know what to say.

1. This fact significantly leads to the use of filler words by international business executives.
2. This gap between the speed of thought and the speed of speech can lead to the use of filler words as a way to bridge the gap.
3. Filler words, such as "um," "ah," "like," and "you know,"...
fill the gaps

phrase
to add what is need to something to make it complete

1. Filler words, such as "um," "ah," "like," and "you know," can be used to fill gaps in speech or to signal a pause while thinking.
signal

verb
to communicate or indicate by or as if by signals

1. Filler words, such as "um," "ah," "like," and "you know," can be used to fill gaps in speech or to signal a pause while thinking.
2. The words signal a pause while the speaker gathers their thoughts or searches for the right words.
expertise

noun
the skill of an expert

1. Despite her impressive professional background and expertise in her field, Maria found that using filler words in English often undermined her credibility and leadership.
undermine

verb
to weaken or ruin by degrees

1. Despite her impressive professional background and expertise in her field, Maria found that using filler words in English often undermined her credibility and leadership.
credibility

noun
capacity for belief

1. ...Maria found that using filler words in English often undermined her credibility and leadership.
2. First, they can diminish the speaker's credibility and authority.
3. While filler words may serve as a temporary placeholder in speech, they can have a negative impact on the speaker's credibility and communication skills.
uncertain

adj
not clearly identified or defined

1. The overuse can interrupt the flow of conversation and may make the speaker appear uncertain or unprepared.
2. During meetings with her team, Maria noticed that using filler words made her seem uncertain and less confident in her ideas.
3. By pausing for a moment to gather their thoughts, a CEO can come across as more measured and decisive in their speech, rather than uncertain and reliant on filler words.
vision

noun
a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination

1. This made it difficult for her team to fully trust and follow her vision, as they needed clarification on her level of conviction.
conviction

noun
a strong persuasion or belief

1. This made it difficult for her team to fully trust and follow her vision, as they needed clarification on her level of conviction.
convey

verb
to bear from one place to another

1. Additionally, Maria's filler words made it harder for her to clearly and concisely convey her thoughts and ideas.
2. By constantly inserting filler words into their speech, a leader may struggle to clearly convey their message.
3. Pauses can help the speaker to more effectively convey their message.
inefficiency nounthe quality or state of being inefficient 1. This further led to misunderstandings and inefficiencies within the team.detrimental adjobviously harmful 1. There are several reasons why filler words can be detrimental to leadership in a non-native English speaking CEO.excessively advexceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal 1. When a CEO uses filler words excessively, it can make them seem unsure of themselves and their ideas. As a result, their team will feel a lack of trust. 2. Using filler words excessively can make a speaker seem unprepared or indecisive.unsure of oneself phraselacking confidence in one's abilities 1. When a CEO uses filler words excessively, it can make them seem unsure of themselves and their ideas.lack of collocationthe fact that something is not available or that there is not enough of it: 1. As a result, their team will feel a lack of trust.indecisive adjnot good at making decisions: 1. A CEO constantly using filler words may come across as unprepared or indecisive. 2. Using filler words excessively can make a speaker seem unprepared or indecisive.struggle verbto experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something: 1. By constantly inserting filler words into their speech, a leader may struggle to clearly convey their message.point of view collocationa way of considering something: 1. After all, the goal of executive communication is to clearly express your point of view.phenomenon nounsomething that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something unusual or interesting: 1. This phenomenon occurs because the brain processes information...