Diagnosing bad presentation habits, prescribing questions with answers, and maybe even a speaking career pivot?
Here's what's on the Persuasive Speaker's agenda today:
- How (and when) you should say “ahh” (hint: it’s not during your presentation.)
- Who asks a question and then answers it? (Say hello to Hypophora.)
- Handling awkward meeting disruptions (looking at you, storm-out colleague!)
- A few curated resources we think will help you level up your communication skills (and maybe change careers).
Let’s dive right in!
#1: The Only Time You’re Allowed to Say “Ahhhh” Is at Your Doctor’s
Let’s talk about filler words, specifically that pesky “ahh.”
A few weeks ago, I was at a conference and this doctor kept saying “ahh” (or some version of it, like “ahmmm”) every five words.
At first, I thought,“I can handle it.”
But after one minute… then two… then four… then seven… I tuned out. I couldn’t do it anymore.
Which is a shame, because the guy was super knowledgeable in his field and was explaining all sorts of important, doctor-y stuff.
I was interested… But my brain just couldn’t handle the constant “ahh” filler.
Now, imagine you’re in that situation. Except you are the speaker. You’re “The Ahh Guy.” And I am the client or investor watching your presentation. I'm someone whose attention you definitely want.
What happens if I tune out?
Worse, what if I zone out at the most important part of your pitch?
Are you really willing to risk losing a deal just because of your “ahh”?
Don’t get me wrong, filler words are normal. They can even make you sound more natural (sometimes).
But when they’re used excessively, it becomes incredibly distracting.
And guess what?
Everyone has their own go-to filler word. Even you.
So… how do you catch and kill your filler words?
Filler words often pop out when your mouth is moving faster than your brain. Instead of allowing silence, you say, “ahh…um…uhhh.”
A quick trick to catch yours is the following:
- Pause and Record
- Next time you’re on a call or giving a short presentation, record yourself. Or simply talk about any random topic for 30 seconds, record it, and listen back to the recording.
- Identify Your Offender
- Pay attention to each “um,” “ahh,” or “uhhh.” You’ll realize exactly which one you rely on the most fill the void.
- Train Yourself to Pause
- Each time you feel that filler creeping up, pause. Let the silence hang for a second or two. You’ll sound more confident, and your audience can process what you just said.
It takes practice, but once you master that tiny pause, you’ll find you have more control over your speech, and people will stay locked in on your words.
And please, remember: the only time you should actually say “ahhh” is during your doctor’s visit. (Although if you happen to visit that doctor I heard speak… you might end up hearing his “ahh” instead. Good luck.)
_________________________
#2: Rhetorical Device of the Week: Hypophora
Hypophora is when you pose a question for dramatic effect and then answer it yourself.
Essentially, you’re guiding your audience by asking a question they might have on their mind, then offering a direct solution or insight.
A Quick Example:
“Why do filler words hurt your credibility? Because they make you sound uncertain, unprepared, and unconvincing.”
Why Use It in Your Presentation?
- It Grabs Attention: The question hooks your audience before you reveal the punchline or critical point.
- It Establishes Authority: Asking and answering your own questions makes you look prepared and insightful.
- It Simplifies Complex Ideas: You can break down concepts step by step in a natural and engaging way.
As for its practical application, imagine you’re pitching an idea to an investor. Once you get to the competitor analysis part you can say something like this:
“Why is our software set to outshine the competition? We’ve streamlined the user experience, cut down loading times by half, and built a community that’s already 10,000 users strong.”
Whenever you sense your audience might be silently asking “Why?” or “How?” in their heads, beat them to it. Pose the question, then deliver a concise answer. You'll keep them engaged, guide their thinking, and ensure your message sticks.
_________________________
#3: Weekly Q&A
Q: “Dear Persuasive Speaker, I was in the middle of an important presentation when my colleague suddenly stormed out of the room. I completely lost my train of thought, and so did everyone else (client included.) How can I bounce back in that situation?”
A: “First things first, don’t speculate on why your colleague left. Stay focused on the task at hand. Pause briefly to acknowledge the disruption, and if you can, make a lighthearted comment like, ‘Alright, time to reboot my thoughts! [pause for a few seconds] Now, we were saying that...’ This quick reset helps everyone refocus, including you. Ultimately, you’re showing the client that you can handle unexpected challenges without missing a beat. That’s what truly leaves a lasting impression.”
_________________________
This week, I’m adding a short curation section of resources that I think you’ll find interesting. Check out these gems:
- Harvard Business Review: 4 Listening Skills Leaders Need to Master
Learn practical listening habits that can completely transform your leadership style.
- TED Talk: Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are
Amy Cuddy’s classic talk on power-posing for an instant confidence boost.
- ICYMI: Caitlin Clark’s Public Speaking Fee
This college basketball phenom earns more from speaking than many pros earn playing. If you’re mulling a career shift, maybe communication is the way to go!
That's it for this week!
If you have any questions, just hit reply, I’d love to answer them in next week’s Q&A.
And if you found this newsletter helpful, feel free to share it with someone who could use these tips.
Your support means the world!
Until next week
Mo
The Persuasive Speaker
Comments ()