What Got You Here Won't Get You There in Sales: How Successful Salespeople Take it to the Next Level

Habit 2—Vocal Filler

The overuse of unnecessary (and meaningless) verbal qualifiers.

This annoying apathy generator takes place when we can’t control our repeated use of meaningless words and phrases such as “like,” “um,” “you know what I mean,” and “sorta,” along with countless others that you can nominate yourself. Although this habit usually takes root in one’s youth, it lasts through adulthood in many cases. When you hear vocal filler words coming out of others, take the time to count them; you’ll be amazed at how heavy the offense can be. While you’re at it, count them in an ESPN pregame show or during celebrity interviews (we’d also suggest keeping track of the number of times a teenager uses “like” in one short conversation, but don’t ...