Um - why do people say “um”
Since the 1970’s Tootsie Roll has been asking “Just how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?”.
Today in 2008, I’m asking “how many “um’s” does it take a person to get to their point?”
Scientists and psychologists claim that the word “um” is used as a filler word and lets people know that you’re still talking and not to talk yet but to listen to what they have to say.
Well, personally after about the third or fourth “um” in a conversation I’m not listening. I’m thinking “is this person for real”.
If a person can’t gather their thoughts and say what they have to say perhaps they should write it down and rehearse it prior to picking up the phone and dialing. That is if they want to be taken seriously.
Cruel? Perhaps, but is it my fault that I have other business to attend to while you stamper and stumble over what you want to say and repeatedly use the word “um”. I just had a conversation with someone who wanted some design work done. This person used the word “um” over 48 times within a matter of 3 mins and 47 seconds. Yes, I started counting after the fourth “um” because this has been par for the course this week with people on the phone. I half heard what the woman wanted because I was busy counting the “um”s. I know the length of the conversation because my phone has a timer on it. If she can’t relay to me what type of design work she wants done in between the never ending “um”s then how does she think I’ll be able to design what she wants if she can’t even communicate what she would like?
It’s one thing if you’re talking and just shotting the nonsense with friends or whatever. But, when you’re calling a business and you, yourself, present yourself as a business owner perhaps you’d come off a bit more professional if you cut the 40+ uses of the word “um” in the brief conversation.
“Um” should really not be used by anyone over the age of let’s say the teen years.
How would you like me selling you on a refinance deal and I present it like this “Um, your new um interest rate will be um 5.25% um then it um adjusts to um 5.7% after um 3 years”.
Wouldn’t that scare you away? Sounds like I haven’t a clue what I’m trying to relay to you. You certainly wouldn’t entrust your mortgage to me if I can’t communicate properly. “Um” is just not very appealing in the business world.
It really doesn’t make people stop and listen to what you may say next. It makes them tune you out and wonder when you’ll ever get to the point or they come up with a good reason to get off the phone quickly.
Stop and think about what you’re going to say before trying to present yourself or business. You only get one first impression and if it’s full of “um”s it may not be the first impression you desire.
Topics: Business, Ranting & Rambling |
February 18th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Very….um….well said…um… Tara! A pet peeve of many of us, I’m sure.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
You’re absolutely right. And “huh” and “hmm” and every other grunting, unidentifiable word can be considered not so business-like. But, this is something I have to work on too, as I get nervous at times on the phone. (:
February 18th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Yes, I agree with you. However, I must admit that I’m from the ‘old school’…but not that old. I believe that in High School, Civics should be brought back as a required course, and additional, Speech Classes should be added. Yes, it’s a required course Freshman Year in college. However, whether the kids are going on to college or not, everyone should be required to learn how to present themselves professionaly for any career they plan on entering, whether it be butcher, baker or candlestick maker.
JMHO
February 18th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I agree with you Cindi. Ironically though the school system is teaching our children other worthless useless “busy” work opposed to things that they will need to know and utilize in the real world later on. Speech and presentation being prime examples.
Sad
Tara
February 19th, 2008 at 10:10 am
That’s why I much prefer writing to public speaking!
I know what I want to say, it just doesn’t come out too smoothly sometimes. Email is my friend. 