What tips do you have for speaking more clearly and reducing filler words in long‑form videos and sales calls?

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What tips do you have for speaking more clearly and reducing filler words in long‑form videos and sales calls?

The simplest hack is to talk a tiny bit slower; slower, consistent speech lets listeners increase playback speed, making you sound more articulate. The other hack is to gain experience by speaking a lot—years of daily sales, especially cold calling, forced you to explain problems, solutions, and fit in simple terms, which crystallized your ability to articulate complex ideas. Repeating the same pitch tens of thousands of times built mental ‘rivers’ that make clear speech effortless. For immediate improvement, just slow down a little; you’ll perform much better.

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How have you improved your speaking skills? Clearly it's a strength of yours — any advice?

I don't really have a straight-line path here beyond just talking constantly. I used to do door-to-door sales for a long time, where being perceived as articulate mattered a lot. I did tons of sales in the years after, cold calls, cold emails leading to booked meetings, and my Upwork application strategy required recording a large number of videos daily where I had to speak clearly on camera. I wish I had a clean two- or three-step program to give you, but in reality the vast majority of this skill just came from doing it a lot, to the point where my brain is just wired to talk in a way that seems reasonably put together.

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I struggle with pausing and saying "um" when speaking on camera for long periods. Any tips for scripting or speaking more confidently?

One quick hack is to stop saying "um" altogether—just pause silently instead of filling the gap with a filler. I tend to have a halting cadence because I don't know what I'm going to say next, so I catch myself and replace the filler with a brief silence, which makes me sound more confident. Another tip, especially for Loom or similar recordings, is to speak slower. Slowing down gives your brain extra time to formulate thoughts, and viewers can speed up the playback if they want. This extra 20‑30 % time lets you articulate more clearly while still appearing at a natural pace to the audience. Most creators increase speed rather than decrease it, so keep the speed lower and let the slower delivery improve clarity.

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What’s the best way to improve speaking skills, and can you lose the ability if you don’t practice?

Speaking is a skill like any other. My door‑to‑door experience—knocking on 500‑1,000 doors a month, about 50‑80 a day—gave me the repetition that built articulation. The best way to improve is to combine that volume with some review or coaching; more volume can solve the strategic gaps others try to fix with less volume. If you can’t afford a public‑speaking class, just pick up the phone and pitch 200 people a day. Your brain is a sponge for inputs and outputs; with enough practice you’ll reach the same competence. People who win by volume tend to be more competent than those who just follow a guru. And yes, you can lose the ability if you don’t use it—use it or lose it. After a dry season, jumping back onto a sales call or seminar feels difficult, but just like a heart surgeon needs their first surgery, you need to get back into it.

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How can I improve my speaking skills?

I recommend reading more than speaking to become a better speaker. A huge vocabulary doesn't automatically make you a better speaker - in fact, it can hinder understanding if the words are too obscure. The trick is using enough variety to express yourself clearly without alienating your audience. Read widely, especially fiction, and consume lots of stories; storytelling is a key skill that improves both your speaking and your ability to connect with people.

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