Avoid sounding immature by avoiding these 5 types of words and phrases, says speech expert.

Your speech is judged as much as your words.

Despite being brilliant and hardworking, if your communication style appears immature or disorganized, it may be challenging for others, particularly your superiors and colleagues, to take you seriously.

To gain respect and credibility as a public speaker, it is crucial to be direct, concise, and informative. To achieve this, avoid using these five types of words and phrases.

1. Facts that are already in your slide deck

Examples:

• This slide indicates our sales totaled $3 million this year.
• In 2020, we had 10 clients, while in 2021, we had 14 clients.
• To demonstrate our competitive edge, slide nine presents a side-by-side comparison of our features versus those of key players in our industry.
• Our team has extensive industry knowledge, as evidenced by the seven principles listed on this slide, which I will now read aloud.

If you explain your slides as if your audience is illiterate and include unnecessary details like "as you can see here," you undermine your authority by wasting everyone's time.

As a presenter, your task is to add value to your audience by discussing the positive, negative, or significant aspects of the information presented in your slide deck.

If you are presenting to an audience with visual impairments, it may be necessary to repeat certain information on your slides.

2. Asides

Examples:

• “This research was finicky, just like my mother-in-law.”
• Weeks were spent to discover this information, which was frustrating as our vendor kept changing the IT personnel.
• I apologize, my deck is disorganized. I've been occupied with travel.
• In business school, I met a guy who inspired me to start this project.

If you turn meetings into stand-up or show-and-tell hour, you may be perceived as unprofessional, self-centered, or inexperienced. To be taken seriously in professional settings, it's important to stay on topic.

3. Filler words

Examples:

• “Ahhh”
• “Uhhh”
• “You know?”
• “Like, ... ”

When we pause and consider what to say next, we often resort to using filler words. While it's understandable to use "umm" or "so" occasionally, be mindful that each syllable requires the listener's full attention. Eliminating fillers can make you appear more focused and articulate.

4. Business jargon

Examples:

• “Circle back”
• “Bandwidth”
• “Low-hanging fruit”
• “Synergy”

Using business jargon can make your speech sound more sophisticated, but it often confuses or amuses your audience. Instead, communicate your message clearly and directly.

5. Hedging words

Examples:

• “Kind of”
• “Sort of”
• “I guess”
• “Just”

To appear approachable and reasonable, we often use hedging words. However, when time is of the essence, unnecessary words can be detrimental, causing distractions. The most respectful approach is to communicate clearly and directly. Avoid beating around the bush; people will value your honesty more.

John Bowe is a speech trainer, award-winning journalist, and author of "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection." He has contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, GQ, McSweeney's, This American Life, and many others. Check out his website here.

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