Filler words in communication are the subject of this Short video for anyone who speaks or writes for clients, audiences or the media. The full transcription and questions and answers follow the video.
This video first went up on YouTube on April 7, 2025. The written post was added on October 22, 2026.
How Do Filler Words in Communication Hurt a Message?
Filler words in communication, such as “let me tell you the truth,” can dishonor the words and the message itself, in Loren Weisman’s view. In his experience, a message padded with hype words and filler often has little substance, or the speaker may be trying to bend or embellish it, so he asks people to go right to the point.
- Framing such as “I’m going to tell you the truth” and “let me tell you the truth” may be worth dropping.
- Announcing that you are about to tell the truth can raise the question of whether everything said before it was a lie.
- Hype words and filler words show up on YouTube, on TV and elsewhere, and they can be a sign of thin substance or embellishment.
- Going right to the point, making words mean what they are supposed to mean, and leaving out what does not need to be there can help.
Filler Words in Communication: The Full Transcription
Stop Framing With Let Me Tell You the Truth
So if you’re saying that was everything prior to that a lie, my name is Loren Weisman. I’m a brand communications and optics strategist. And today’s ask for you to consider is stop using framing of let me tell you the truth or honestly, or I’m going to tell you the truth.
Now, while this comes off semantical, it also just dishonors words and it dishonors a message. All too often. We’re seeing people on YouTube, on TV, anywhere. They’re using hype words, filler words.
Going Right to the Point
And oftentimes when they’re filling up with these filler words, it means more often than not, there’s not that much substance or they’re trying to bend or pull or supplement or embellish. So consider going right to the point.
Consider being an honest source, being a real resource, making words mean what they’re supposed to mean. And if it doesn’t need to be there, don’t fill it in.
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The words, messaging, spam themes and marketing to avoid like the plague now.
Questions and Answers
What are examples of filler words in communication?
Examples of filler words in communication can include framing phrases such as “let me tell you the truth” and “I’m going to tell you the truth,” along with the hype words people use on YouTube, on TV and elsewhere. A message filled with these words may often have little substance.
What is wrong with saying let me tell you the truth?
Saying “let me tell you the truth” can raise the question of whether everything said before it was a lie. The phrase can be framing that dishonors the words and the message itself, as Loren sees it.
How can you communicate more clearly without filler words?
Communicating more clearly without filler words can start with going right to the point and making words mean what they are supposed to mean. Being a truthful source and a real resource can mean leaving out any word that does not need to be there.
More Videos and the Podcast
- Brand Comms and Ops: All Things Considered Shorts on YouTube
- Loren Weisman Video Shorts on YouTube: 20 More
- Wait What Really OK podcast
Loren Weisman is a Brand Communications and Optics Strategist who specializes in illuminating authoritative intelligence and amplifying authentic experts.
Weisman is the host of the brand communications and optics podcast Wait What Really OK.
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Filler Words in Communication: Say What You Mean