How to Cure a Verbal Virus

Warning! You may be infected with a virus that could be lethal to your sales, your public relations and even your social life. I call it a "Verbal Virus."

These meaningless fillers speckle our speech, distract from our message, drain our impact and annoy listeners

The most common verbal viruses are: "uhh", "um", "like", "you know", "well", "okay", and "sort of". They also include annoying mouth sounds and lip smacks.

The good news about verbal viruses is that they are easily cured! Here is my three -step road to recovery:

Diagnose the problem

Since verbal viruses are unconscious, the only way you'll hear them is to record yourself speaking. Record a few of your phone calls on a typical business day to quickly determine if you are suffering from a verbal virus infection. Make a note of the verbal viruses you most commonly use.

Verbal viruses are pesky and they are also contagious, easily "caught" from friends, associates and even family members. Once you catch yourself saying non- words, simply replace them with a ...

Pause for breath

Now that you're more aware of your speech you'll notice yourself saying your favorite non-word. Simply pause or take a breath for a second or two to gather your thoughts.

This can feel a little inhibiting at first, but a pause is a good thing. It allows your listener to absorb what you've been saying. It also gives you a moment to check in with your audience. Are they following you?

Ask a friend for help

Tell someone who is around you a lot that you are trying to break the non-word habit. Ask them to call your attention to the fact by saying your name or by using a code word every time they hear you use the word you are trying to eliminate.

This becomes really annoying after awhile, but it will really help you break the habit.

Keep in mind it takes at least 21 days to break this or any habit. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's impossible to get rid of verbal viruses completely.

Linguists say they exist in all languages as placeholders while we gather our thoughts. Both Spanish and Portuguese speakers use sabe (you know). The Japanese say neh.

Verbal viruses are only a problem when people focus on them instead of you or your message. Good for you for trying to polish your speech.

From The VoiceCoach Newsletter by Susan Berkley. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2009 All Rights reserved.

Susan Berkley is the author of Speak To Influence:How To Unlock The Hidden Power of Your Voice. available from your favorite bookseller. For a free subscription to The Voice Coach Newsletter visit www.speaktoinfluence.com.

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