How to Speak Clearly: Fillers, Pace, Rambling

By the Ace Coach team, built with the best speech coaches · Updated October 25, 2026 · How we write

Choose your problem

I say “um” and “like” a lot
I talk too fast
My answers wander
I can't find the right words

Start here

How to stop saying “um”Start with a one-minute sample and notice where your fillers repeat.

What a fix sounds like

Illustrative example.

First take

“So, basically, I think we kind of need to, like, rethink the onboarding, you know?”

After “Cut the fillers and hedges”

“We need to rethink onboarding.”

1. Filler words

Fillers are common in everyday speech. A study of recorded conversations found broadly similar rates of “uh” and “um” across age and gender groups, while “like”, “you know” and “I mean” were more common among younger speakers (Laserna, Seih and Pennebaker, 2014).

Start with one answer. Count the fillers, notice where they repeat, then say the same answer with a short pause in those places. Aim for a clearer message, not a zero count.

2. Pace

There's no single right speed. Measured rates depend on the setting and on how you count: one study of 2,438 telephone conversations measured about 196 words per minute across both speakers combined (Yuan, Liberman and Cieri, 2006), and a study of planned talks found university lectures averaging about 145 and TED talks about 169 (Wingrove, 2017). Those are descriptions, not targets.

What matters is that listeners keep up. Slow down on numbers and your main point, and pause after them.

3. Rambling

Rambling is usually a structure problem, not a speaking one: you start talking before you know your point. Say the point first, give one example, then stop. Time yourself to 60 seconds and cut anything that doesn't support the point.

4. Word choice and articulation

Sounding articulate is mostly about plain, specific words and complete sentences, not a big vocabulary. Replace vague words (“stuff”, “things”, “kind of”) with the specific one, and finish each sentence before starting the next.

Guides in this topic

How to stop saying “um”: Measure your baseline, practice the pause and lead with your point.
How to stop rambling: Say the point first, back it up with one or two reasons, then stop.
How to stop talking too fast: Pause at the period, slow down for the line that matters and breathe before you start.
Speaking pace: what words per minute tells you: Measured averages, why there's no correct speed, and what an average hides.
How to stop saying “like”: Why “like” sticks, when it costs you, and three drills to cut it.
How to be more articulate: Know your point, say it first, and swap vague words for specific ones.

FAQ

Is it bad to say “um”?

An occasional “um” is normal. If repeated fillers distract from your point, try replacing some of them with a short pause.

What is a good speaking rate?

There is no single ideal rate. Time a typical answer, then check whether a listener can follow the details. Slow down for numbers and important points, and leave room for pauses.

How do I stop rambling?

Decide your point before you speak and say it first. Then give one example and stop. Practising with a 60-second limit makes the habit stick.

Can you become more articulate as an adult?

Yes. Clear speaking is a set of habits: leading with the point, choosing specific words and finishing sentences. Habits change with short, repeated practice, especially when you hear yourself back.

Speak clearly and get to the point.