Verbal crutches refer to filler words like "hmm", "uh", and "ah" that people use between words when trying to form their thoughts. They can also be words like "like", "basically", and "actually" that are used repeatedly. Using verbal crutches shows a lack of confidence and continuity in thinking, and it may indicate a lack of knowledge or lying. To reduce verbal crutches, people should speak more slowly to match their thinking rate, pause when they have nothing to say, and learn to punctuate speech with pauses between groups of words conveying an idea. Practicing these techniques can help remove verbal crutches.

1. Verbal Crutches

2. Verbal crutches - the Hmm’s, Uh’s or Ah’s we use in between words of our speech - used when we are trying to catch up with our thoughts and turn them into words.

3. It can also be any other word that we use repeatedly while talking. Examples : Like, basically, actually, etc.

4. Using verbal crutches is not a good sign when talking to others.

5. It might show - lack of confidence - discontinuity in thinking - lack of knowledge about the topic - we might also use verbal crutches when are lying

6. So what word/expression do you use as a verbal crutch?

7. How can we get rid of them?

9. Step 1 Speak at a slower rate. * speak slower to match your thinking rate and you will cure your speech crutches.

10. Save your face. Just stop talking!

12. Step 3 Punctuate with pauses. * Learn to phrase your speech by grouping words forming an idea and pausing after each idea.

13. Give it a shot! It’s good for your job.