Just like trends in food, fashion, or language change over time, the way we are expected to deliver business presentations changes and evolves as well.

Imagine this scenario - you have to give a quarterly presentation to an executive committee. You are worried that it will be boring and too long.

It’s time to update your presentation style to become a strong, persuasive presenter.

One of the most negative speech habits we often hear is the overuse of fillers such as “um” or “like”. It is highly noticeable and can negatively affect how others think of you and the message you are trying to deliver. Reducing or eliminating fillers in your speech can significantly improve communication and help you sound more confident, deliberate, and articulate.

Read more to learn seven strategies to help you stop using fillers when speaking.

The minute we speak - others judge us. It may be unfair – but it happens!

We all are familiar with the “ negative” speech habits we hate to hear. It’s like hearing nails on a chalkboard – too many “um’s,” using an “up” tone, talking too fast, high pitched breathiness – to name a few. While people of all genders can have these negative habits, some tend to affect women more.

From my experience, women can also be judged harshly for how they speak - especially in the corporate world. So what speaking habits should women be aware of and aim to avoid?

It can be difficult to speak up confidently when you naturally have a shy personality. However, with practice and taking (small) risks , you can improve your communication skills and become more comfortable expressing yourself to others. Here are some tips to help you communicate better and overcome shyness.

The key to successfully answering “Tell me about yourself” at a job interview, is to plan ahead. This sounds simple enough - you know yourself best. But this shouldn't be an off the cuff response. You don't want to meander or tell your entire life story! So what is the best way to answer?

Repetitive, negative speech habits can be grating or annoying to your listener. But the positive news is that you can get rid of them. You can improve. You can speak better.

But where do you start?

First, you must identify YOUR bad speaking habits. Be honest with yourself. If you’re really open to it, ask a trusted friend or colleague if you have any of these 5 bad speaking habits.

Going for a job interview? Give me a call. I'm here to help you be successful in virtual job interviews.