After watching 30+ hours of online courses last week, I almost went crazy, albeit not by information overload, but by hearing some trainers using filler words in every other sentence.
One of them used the word “literally” literally every three to five words. Yes, literally. If he had literally cut down his “literallies”, he could have literally finished the training in literally half the time. I was so distracted and literally had to condition my mind to literally ignore his “literallies”.
Wait, there’s more.
So, another one started every sentence with a “so”! So much so that I could repeat after him each time he began a new sentence. So, you know how annoying it is to a person with OCD? So, I also rolled my eyes when I knew he’d be the next speaker. So, you know what I mean? So unprofessional, right? So, what do you think? So-so?
Two down, one more to go.
The third one? She’s probably like, in her late thirties, but she’s talking like some millennials who have yet to like, graduate from acne. Like, you know? Like, she had to like, interject every three words with like, a “like.” Like, you get me? Are you like, getting irritated with my “likes” now? Like, I know, right?
Of course, some trainers spoke without any fillers. Even though they did not speak perfect English, it was a joy to listen and learn. No wonder I aced the tests conducted by them!
Am I being picky? I don’t know. It’s most likely the OCD in me listening to these courses. Can someone teach me how to turn off my OCD at will? I’ll buy you a huge cup of flat white!
After listening to these filler-words-filled speakers, I can’t help but agree with the adage, “It’s not what you say that matters. It’s how you say it.”
So, do you, like, literally repeatedly use these three words unnecessarily when you speak or present? ?
Enough already. Because other than wasting your saliva and possibly irritating your listeners, they don’t add value to what you say.
