Using too many filler words disrupts the flow of conversations and can damage your ability to deliver a persuasive presentation. While I’ve written about techniques to eliminate extraneous words, I’ve ...

It’s common to be told that filler words are bad, whether you’re in an in-person interview or chatting online, but avoiding them outright can worsen communication.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Scott Hutcheson teaches leadership at Purdue University. Filler words like “um,” “uh,” “like,” and “you know” are more than just ...