Summary: In this week’s podcast (3:25) I share insight from a speaker who encouraged me to eliminate filler words from formal talks I give as well as from everyday conversation. I'm encouraging writers to do the same with their written work: search and destroy the filler words that distract from the meat of the message.<br> <br> Examples of filler words that show up in our speaking:<br> <br> um and uh<br> like<br> you know<br> so…<br> <br> Examples of filler words in our writing:<br> <br> but<br> and<br> so<br> and so<br> very<br> really<br> that<br> <br> In the podcast, I mention the "search" function in Word or Google docs, which is more accurately the "find" feature. Learn more about how this works in Word and Google docs.<br> * * *<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> On Being a Writer<br> "This brand-new book is a must-have for career writers, whether seasoned or just starting out."<br> — from "10 Great Books for a Writer's Wish List" on Huffington Post<br> <br> NOW AVAILABLE<br> <br> “A genial marriage of practice and theory. For writers new and seasoned. This book is a winner.”<br> —Philip Gulley, author of Front Porch Tales
