2024-12-22T13:20:07-05:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150155018/can-filler-words-like-uh-and-um-be-useful Sean Joyner 2019-08-26T19:30:00-04:00 >2019-08-27T13:35:10-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/59/59922c540a5c58c458997303df212b86.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>One thing most of us can't avoid in architecture is having to verbally communicate our creative ideas to another person, that may be a client, a coworker, or even a contractor. Whoever it may be, communication is a powerful tool we must all hone in our careers. We've all heard since our youth that we should not say things like "um, uh, like, etc." too much when speak. We learn that it reduces our credibility and authority, and, according to research, this is true.&nbsp;</p> <p>"Used sparingly, there's nothing wrong with filler words. When you use them excessively, however, they can detract from your confidence and credibility," writes Harvard University Communications Professor Allison Shapira. In a <a href="https://hbr.org/2019/08/why-filler-words-like-um-and-ah-are-actually-useful" target="_blank">recent piece for the Harvard Business Review</a>, Shapira illustrates some areas where she feels these common filler words can be useful and offers some alternatives to help strengthen the implementation of them.</p> <ol><li><strong>"To be diplomatic."&nbsp;</strong>Sometimes we need to use less assertive language when speaking to those...</li></ol>