What are the most effective ways to reduce "ums" and "ahs" in your podcast?

Reducing "ums" and "ahs" in your podcast is like trying to resist cookies on a diet – it takes practice and creativity! Slow down your speech, embrace silence, and imagine a game show where "ums" cost points. Script your episodes like a roadmap and practice mock recordings. With mindful speaking, feedback, and sneaky editing, you'll conquer those filler words and be the podcast hero!

After three decades in podcasting, I've found the antidote to "ums" and "ahs" lies in meticulous preparation. Craft a detailed script or outline to serve as your roadmap. This not only organizes your thoughts but minimizes pauses, curbing the need for fillers. Embrace AI tools and insights from the dynamic LinkedIn community to enhance your scripting process. With a well-structured framework, you'll not only eliminate verbal hesitations but also deliver a polished and engaging podcast. Remember, preparation breeds confidence, and confidence eradicates those distracting filler words.

This one will be controversial - but the short answer: Don't. Podcasts are supposed to be authentic, genuine and one of the true free speech platforms we have. I've had a few clients that wanted to eliminate dead air and the dreaded filler words, but the truth is that's how we interact and speak. We can't all be Lex Friedman or Jordan Peterson - we aren't all wordsmiths. People won't turn you off if they hear an "um", but they will if they don't like your content. Craft good episodes, be real and genuine and you won't have to painstakingly remove things no one cares about anyway.

The preparation of the script is fundamental. At least the one that you, as the presenter, are going to carry out. There will always be moments in the recording when you can improvise and deviate a little from the structure of the script. But with that work done, it will surely be easier to avoid such crutches.

Having thrived in the podcasting realm for three decades, I emphasize the pivotal role of practice and rehearsal. Mastery emerges from repetition; rehearse your content to refine delivery, eradicate filler words, and enhance overall flow. Cultivate a dynamic yet controlled presentation style, allowing your expertise to shine. This disciplined approach not only elevates your podcasting finesse but also establishes a consistent, polished brand over the years.

I've learned the power of the pause. Embracing silence allows for reflection, builds anticipation, and enhances the overall listening experience. Filler words may offer a false sense of fluency, but strategic pauses create rhythm and impact. Use silence intentionally, letting your message sink in. It's not about avoiding pauses but making them purposeful. Breathe, let your words resonate, and captivate your audience with the art of well-timed stillness

I’d use caution when trying to automate the elimination of Urms and Ers from your audio. Whilst too many can feel like a distraction and can slow the pace of the listen at the same time they are human noises (it’s brain buffering) and removing them completely can make hosts/guests sound robotic. Like with every piece of audio (or silence for that matter) consider its value and what it adds to the story you are trying to tell.

I think trying to completely eliminate those is not necessary at all. First of all, yes, it will sound robotic. When we talk, pauses and little sounds are natural. So I definitely wouldn't advice to just hit erase in Descript. It's a bit of work to go through the entire episode and just listen and make sure you take out the longer pauses but it's so worth it!

At The Podcast Guys, we’ve found that practice and preparation are key to reducing those pesky 'ums' and 'ahs'. A tip from our studio: before hitting record, take a moment to breathe and centre your thoughts. If you do stumble, pause, recompose, and continue. It's these small pauses that can make your podcast sound more polished and professional. Remember, even the best stumble, but with patience and practice, you'll find your flow.

Podcast audio editing is a key element in refining the overall quality of your content. It allows you to eliminate filler words, correct mistakes, and enhance the overall flow of the podcast. Striking the right balance is crucial – while it's essential to remove distractions, maintaining a natural and spontaneous feel is equally important for an engaging listener experience. It's a fine art that combines technical precision with the preservation of authenticity. Happy podcasting! 🎙️✨

Don't worry about it. Most can be edited out the editing process if they are actually bothersome, but some 'ums' and 'ahs' in the conversation make you sound like a real person. Part of the reason podcasts are popular is the fact that they are intimate, friendly, and authentic. Your friend would use 'um' as they paused to answer your question. Why can't your favorite podcaster?