Disrupt: Um, Wait

Ah, spacers. We do love to hate them. At some point, it became a mark of good speech to be free of um, so, and like in all verbal interactions. In a way, we have taken this a bit far but then again it is human nature.

In a prepared speech, it is possible and desirable to remove all spacers. This becomes more difficult in everyday speaking because spacers are essentially your brain taking a moment.

There is a longer post on the subject here if this is a big problem for you. Still, today I want you to try a different approach. Today, I'd like you to wait a second before answering a question, launching in with a thought, or interjecting into a conversation. Wait just a second and remember to breathe. You are less likely to insert a spacer if you actually give yourself time to process. Don't worry, your brain is an amazing place. It definitely has this.

GROW Voice, is a Boston-based business.  Founder and CEO, Gina Razón has taught voice and speech for over sixteen years to individuals, organizations and in academic settings.   She is sought after as a teacher of voice and speech, singing, and public presentation.  Gina has a BM and MM in Voice Performance, she is a practitioner of Fitzmaurice Voicework and a certified teacher of Somatic Voicework. She has served as the voice coach for TEDxCambridge and speaks at National and local events on all things voice and speech.  Gina is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Voice Foundation, the Voice and Speech Trainers Association and the National Speakers Association. More information at www.growvoice.com.