The Verbal Pause...Umm...Can be the Death of a Successful Interview

The verbal pause.

We all do it, and we all hate it when others are doing it. It can be especially harmful in a job interview. Let's dive deeper!

The verbal pause occurs when the speaker says, "um," "ah," "you know," or the most overused, seemingly socially accepted but not socially acceptable verbal pause, "like." Verbal pauses can also be of the lip smacking or tongue clicking genre. They are non-purposeful space fillers. The pause occurs as the brain is searching for the next word to say, but the mouth blurts out the pause or space filler that the speaker has become accustomed to using.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates worldwide to help its members improve their communication and public speaking skills. Many people use Toastmasters to overcome their fear of public speaking, but Toastmasters also assists with verbal pauses. During sessions, there is a person who is the "Ah counter," while some clubs charge a nickel for each "filled" pause.

In a job interview situation, verbal pauses can repel listeners. The interviewer isn't lightly tapping her fingers. She is actually counting how many time you say "um." Verbal pauses make the speaker appear unprepared, unconfident, anxious, and even though my Momma told me to never use this word, stupid! Definitely not qualities to bring into the interview room.

So what's the fix? The way to stop is to begin to be aware of your speech patterns, and to practice elimination of your own personal pauses. Listening to others speak will also increase your awareness of this public nuisance.

The simplest replacement is a silent pause. If your brain hasn't given you a word to use, then stop talking. That's right, shut the ole pie hole! Yes, it may be uncomfortable at first, but you will get used to it. A moment of silence can be a very powerful tool, especially if it is carefu placed.

Job interviews require the best of communication for the interviewee to land the job. Concise, clear, powerful speaking that is free of verbal pauses while still utilizing the power of silence will definitely set you apart.