Episode #383: Removing Distractions When We Are Presenting In Japan

Why Do Strong Presenters in Japan and Globally Still Struggle With Filler Words?

Even seasoned executives in 日本企業 and 外資系企業 unintentionally sabotage their message by inserting “um,” “you know,” or “like” into nearly every sentence. These small verbal habits create big credibility issues—especially in high-stakes leadership, sales, and プレゼンテーション研修 contexts in Tokyo, where precision and executive presence matter.

Filler words distract listeners, weaken authority, and make even well-structured content sound uncertain. They slip in because the brain is searching for the next phrase, and the mouth fills the silence with noise.

Mini-Summary: Even experienced speakers undermine their impact by allowing unconscious filler words to interrupt their message.

During a recent Annual General Meeting, an otherwise well-prepared president delivered clear content with strong pacing—but nearly every sentence began with “um.” Although he likely didn’t notice, the audience certainly did. Each “um” chipped away at his authority and clarity, turning a solid message into a distracted listening experience.

This happens across industries—from cobblers saying “you know” to lawyers filling space with “like.” These are not harmless habits; they reduce trust and clarity, especially in leadership, sales, and client-facing discussions.

Mini-Summary: Filler words weaken credibility and distract your audience, regardless of your experience level.

The solution is simple, proven, and completely behavioral. Dale Carnegie’s presentation training emphasizes conscious control over transitions and sentence openings. The core technique:

1. Hit the First Word Harder

Start each sentence with slightly more emphasis. This prevents any filler from slipping in before the first meaningful word.

2. Maintain Continuous Flow

Keep your speech connected, smooth, and uninterrupted. Continuous phrasing leaves no “entry points” for filler words.

3. Purse the Lips at Sentence Ends

After completing a sentence, gently press the lips together. This physical pause prevents premature sounds—especially “um”—while you prepare the next thought.

4. Treat Pauses Like New Sentences

A pause is a reset. Use the same technique:

• Purse your lips

• Restart with a strong first word

This transforms pauses from filler traps into tools of executive presence.

Mini-Summary: A combination of strong sentence openings, smooth flow, and intentional pauses eliminates most filler words within weeks.

Yes—and quickly. Many Dale Carnegie Tokyo participants (and the author of the original text) once relied heavily on “ums” and “ahs,” especially when speaking spontaneously or presenting without scripts. By applying this method consistently, they dramatically reduced their filler word frequency—even in unscripted training, coaching, and presentations.

Video review accelerates this progress. Watching yourself helps reveal unconscious habits, such as overusing “so” as a transition. Once you see it, you can fix it.

Mini-Summary: With practice and video feedback, professionals can nearly eliminate filler words, even in high-pressure, spontaneous communication.

Filler words extend beyond “um.” Many professionals—lawyers, consultants, engineers, even senior leaders—habitually use phrases like:

• “you know”

• “like”

• “so…”

These expressions create noise that dilutes your message. The solution is deliberate vocabulary substitution. Instead of “so,” use:

• “Let’s move on.”

• “Another key point is…”

• “Next…”

• “Let’s talk about…”

Replacing unconscious habits with intentional transitions elevates professionalism and leadership presence.

Mini-Summary: Replace habitual fillers with purposeful transitional phrases to strengthen clarity and authority.

• Filler words weaken credibility and distract from your message—especially in leadership, sales, and プレゼンテーション研修 environments.

• Strong sentence openings and intentional pauses are the fastest way to eliminate “um,” “you know,” and “like.”

• Video review helps uncover hidden habits and accelerates improvement.

• Consistent practice builds long-term clarity, confidence, and executive presence.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.