In Episode 9, host Trevor Currie and producer Karen Ward talk about the various types of filler language that can creep into our speech when we’re presenting. When you speak with a lot of filler words and overuse the interrogative tone, it can undermine your credibility so it’s worth listening for and eliminating.
Listening Notes:
| 1:00 | Trevor defines the interrogative voice (or tone) and describes why it holds us back when we’re delivering a presentation or having a conversation in a professional context. |
| 2:57 | Trevor and Karen talk about the prevalence of “uptalk” in contemporary communication and why the interrogative tone has taken root in our modern culture. |
| 5:35 | Trevor shares some tips about how to reduce the interrogative tone. |
| 9:20 | Karen asks Trevor how he responds to people who are reluctant to modify their interrogative tone because it’s just the way they authentically talk. |
| 13:31 | Trevor explains what filler language is and how it affects the quality of our discourse. |
| 15:22 | Karen and Trevor talk about why and when filler language can work and discuss the radio program This American Life as an example. |
| 18:37 | Trevor provides some tips for how to reduce the filler language in your oral communications and why doing so matters. |
