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Record the person, preferably on video, so they can see/hear . Have them attend a meeting of Toastmaster’s to see the counting of ums and the effect of removing those from speech.
Electric shock therapy
Point it out. Mention the tic words and use it as constructive criticism. It’s ok to be blunt
NY 1 yes, I’ve done that part. Wondering if there are any tricks out there.
Unfortunately it’s a habit. I do it to and everytime I try to break it I can’t. If he still a good sales person, live with it
Put a $2k incentive bonus in their 2019 comp package and deduct $100 each time they do it. They get whatever is left at the end of the year. Then tell them for 2020 and beyond, don’t ever use those words again!
It’s typically a hurdle the individual has to want to overcome. Those words reflect a ‘lazy’ use or understanding of the English language. I would recommend having the individual read - it’ll enhance his/her vocabulary and the use of this new found vocabulary. He/she will start to realize the tic and if he/she wants to change, they will. Otherwise you’re stuck with it.
Watts is correct. It’s called paralanguage and is taught in college based communications courses. We had weekly 5 min stand up chats in front of peers and spoke about anything you want to. Cars, sports, dating, diversity, patents, life, etc. Then class gives constructive feedback. Paralanguage is someone filling silent space Bc in our culture silence in communication is awkward. In Asia silence is more common.
(1) Pretend you're in Britain. (2) Use only the words necessary to convey your message. (3) Fix it or you're fired.
Yes, a Toastmasters model may also work, and would be more constructive.
Shock therapy
Mine says okie dokey....😩