How many filler words are too many?

There is no fixed number. If they appear in nearly every sentence or interrupt your point, work on them. An occasional one is natural.

Do fillers matter in a second language?

They are common and understandable. Pauses, simple sentences and practice help more than trying to speak fast.

Can software count my filler words?

Yes. A mock interview tool can show how many you used and your speaking pace, which makes progress easy to see.

How to stop saying "um": cutting filler words in interviews

Last updated 7 November 2026

Everyone uses filler words. A few of them do no harm, and silence does not need to be filled. The problem starts when fillers appear in every sentence, because listeners stop following what you say and may think you are unsure. The good news is that fillers respond quickly to practice, and you do not need to remove them completely.

Why fillers happen

They are usually a sign that your brain is searching for the next word while your mouth wants to keep the floor. They increase when you are nervous, when you have not practised an answer, and when you are speaking a second language.

1. Replace the filler with a pause

A short silence sounds thoughtful. Practise taking a breath before you answer and between ideas. The pause feels long to you and normal to the listener.

2. Know your first sentence

Most fillers appear at the start of an answer. Prepare an opening line for the questions you expect: "I would describe it in three steps," or "A good example is my final project." A strong start gives you time to think of the rest.

3. Use structure

Structures such as STAR (situation, task, action, result) or "point, reason, example" give your mind a path to follow, so you search for fewer words.

4. Slow down slightly

Speaking faster than you think leaves no room to plan the next phrase. A slightly slower pace gives you time to choose words and sounds more confident.

5. Record yourself and count

Record two minutes of an answer, listen back and count the fillers. You will notice patterns, such as always saying "like" before a number. Awareness alone often halves the habit.

6. Practise out loud, not in your head

Thinking through an answer is not the same as saying it. Practise with a friend or with a mock interview that gives a count of filler words and your speaking pace after each answer.

7. Be kind to yourself in the interview

If you notice a filler, do not apologise. Take a breath and go on. Interviewers listen for content, not perfection.

A two-minute daily exercise

Choose a topic you know well, such as your last project. Set a timer for two minutes and explain it aloud, with a pause instead of every filler. Do it every day for a week and record one attempt on the first and last day. Most people hear a clear difference.

If you speak English as a second language

Fillers in a second language are normal and mostly a sign that you are searching for a word. Keep sentences short, use words you are sure of, and rehearse the vocabulary of your field. A short pause sounds confident in any language.

Practise this out loud, free

Take a live AI mock interview with questions built from your resume and the job description, then read a feedback report on what you said and how you said it.

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Frequently asked questions

How many filler words are too many?: There is no fixed number. If they appear in nearly every sentence or interrupt your point, work on them. An occasional one is natural.
Do fillers matter in a second language?: They are common and understandable. Pauses, simple sentences and practice help more than trying to speak fast.
Can software count my filler words?: Yes. A mock interview tool can show how many you used and your speaking pace, which makes progress easy to see.