Move Over “UH”, “UM” & “AH”. “SO” Is Taking Over.

presentation filler word

In The Speaking Intensive, Lisa and I have seen noticed a trend of using a new non-word to start a presentation, link presentation segments and fill pauses. Move over “UH”, “UM” & “AH”. “SO” is in the house!

While “SO” obviously has legitimate uses as a conjunction and even as an adverb and an adjective, it’s misuse is rampant.

Here’s the funny part: within two sentences of my having pointed it out to last week’s participants in The Speaking Intensive, I did it myself. Then I did it again.

So I am working on it. 🙂

How about you?

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Alan_Parisse_3Hall of Fame speaker Alan Parisse has been coaching presenters and delivering keynotes for over 25 years. Named “One of the Top 21 Speakers for the 21st Century” by Successful Meetings Magazine, he is a keynote speaker for a wide variety of industries and organizations. Alan is a passionate presentation coach to executives, financial advisors, sports stars and sales presenters.



Lisa Casdendavidpicknerphotography-6 has been coaching presenters for 10 years. A former professional figure skater, coach and choreographer, Lisa leverages her unique background and point of view to help speakers organize their physicality in ways that best support their message.