Welcome to Minisode Monday, where we kick off the week with something quick and actionable -- to make you more magnetic and effective -- that you can implement right away. Um, like, so today we're going to talk about filler words -- why you should avoid using them, and how to shed them for good. Let's get to it! The Cheat Sheet: When you're trying to convey a message with credibility, it's not just what you say, but how you say it. Overuse of filler words like "um" and "like" are lessening the impact of that message. Even if we think we've got a handle on filler words by consciously choosing not to use them, tension and stress can make us forget. Like any other bad habits, the filler words we use need to be attacked with deliberate practice. You may not even be aware of the filler words you use. Record your side of a few phone conversations using an app like TapeACall or Call Recorder for Skype. Get a simple audio editor like the free Audacity; edit out all of the filler words from your conversations above. Do this with a twenty-minute call every week and the editing alone should drive home how much work you're putting into generating filler words that have no place in meaningful conversation. A gap of silence is always better than meaningless filler words. To learn more about social dynamics and productivity hacks, take the Art of Charm Challenge by clicking here, or text CHARMED to 33444. Also be sure to check out our Social Capital Intensive here! Let us know about how you put today's Minisode Monday into practice! Tweet with @TheArtofCharm in your response or write to Jordan directly: jordan@theartofcharm.com (he actually reads everything)! Does your business have an Internet presence? Now save a whopping 50% on new webhosting packages here with HostGator by using coupon code CHARM! Find out more about the team who makes The Art of Charm podcast here! Show notes at http://theartofcharm.com/mm39/ HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dig the show, please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from the crowd and help people find the credible advice they need. Review the show in iTunes! We rely on it! http://www.theartofcharm.com/mobilereview Stay Charming!