The Downside of “Filler Words” in Media Interviews

What do “I mean,” and “honestly,” and “basically,” and “so,” all have in common? Each word or phrase has enjoyed a moment in time as the popular choice for beginning a sentence – and they’re called filler words. However, in a professional setting, and especially during a media interview, you have limited time to make a positive impact, and filler words are not your friends.  

As a long-time media and executive communications coach, part of my job is to help experts sound like experts and to help them deliver messages that their audience needs and wants to hear (and to ensure that the spokesperson is asked back for future interviews!).  

I recently had the radio on while making dinner and only half-listening to the interview on the air. Then I heard both the host and the guest start their sentences with “I mean,” and I have no idea what the conversation was about now, because I was so distracted by the rampant use of filler words.  

Consider how this sounds to your audience – go ahead, read these sentences out loud.  

• “I mean, we are doing everything in our power to find the missing student.”

• “I mean, we know the water has been contaminated by our chemical runoff, but there’s no danger to the public.”

• “I mean, we apprehended the suspect within 24 hours, and 14 storefronts were vandalized.”

If someone in a position of authority or a company leader delivered critical information during a press conference, beginning every statement with “I mean,” would you take them seriously? What would be your first impression of that individual or company?  

Now, take it a step further. If the company leader’s first sentence starts with “I mean,” and their following sentence doesn’t, does that mean they don’t mean it?!  

Downsides of Filler Words

Filler words have become a conversational crutch in social settings, and I get it (and have been guilty of it). But when you’re the company spokesperson and start your sentences with “I mean,” you’re softening the messaging because filler words:

• Diminish the impact of your message

• Detract from your credibility as an expert  

• Can also imply that you are misleading the listener  

How To Get Rid of Filler Words
Many people don’t realize they are using filler words such as “yeah,” “um,” “so,” or “basically” when they speak.  

Here’s what to do to get rid of them. Grab your phone, hit record, practice your key message – and then play it back. You’ll probably hate what you hear, but please do it again. And then repeat, because that’s the magic. Once you’re aware of them, filler words are easier to eradicate. (Fair warning: now you’re going to hear them everywhere!)  

As a PadillaPrep communications coach, I advise spokespeople to “come in hot” and cut to the chase with every answer and statement, stripping out all filler words. You have a limited timeframe in media interviews, especially broadcast, so don’t waste it on unnecessary, distracting words. In a moment of crisis for your brand or organization, it is imperative that your authority resonates with the audience. This is no time to slip into bad habits like upspeak.  

Let’s take another look at the statements above, without including filler words:  

• “We are doing everything in our power to find the missing student.”

• “We know the water has been contaminated by our chemical runoff, but there’s no danger to the public.”

• “We apprehended the suspect within 24 hours, and 14 storefronts were vandalized.”

That’s quite a difference! The messages are now clear, precise, and convey authority to the audience.  

At their core, media interviews provide opportunities to tell your brand’s story and to position yourself as an industry expert. Although treating interviews like you would approach conversations with friends and neighbors may be tempting, don’t fall into that “comfort trap.” Yes, you should practice so you feel relaxed during the interview. You’re not talking to your pal about the company’s earnings report. You are communicating important information to your target audience and key stakeholders, and that means you should prepare for the interview with the intention and the respect it deserves. And stop starting sentences with “I mean,” – we mean it!