<p>Think about a time you've had to speak in front of others — maybe during a work presentation, a wedding toast, or even on a first date. Did you struggle with using too many filler words, such as "um" and "like," talk too fast, or awkwardly ramble?</p><p>Most of us try to fix these saboteurs of speech by giving ourselves mental mantras: "Slow down"; "Think about what you want to say."</p><p>But my guest would say that becoming a more engaging and effective speaker comes down to realizing that it's a very physical act that requires getting out of your head and into your body.</p><p>Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication coach who has worked with everyone from presidential candidates to business executives, is the author of <a href="https://amzn.to/3C1QpVA"><i>Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life</i>.</a> Today on the show, Michael explains why you need to treat speaking as a sport and shares embodied drills and exercises — from playing with Legos to talking with a wine cork in your mouth to throwing a ball against a wall — that will fix common delivery problems, including eliminating ums, enhancing vocal variety, and managing your gestures.</p><h2>Resources Related to the Podcast</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/becoming-well-spoken-how-to-minimize-your-uhs-and-ums/" target="_blank">AoM Article: Becoming Well-Spoken — How to Minimize Your Uhs and Ums</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/guide-to-effective-public-speaking/" target="_blank">AoM Podcast #698: The Secrets of Public Speaking From History’s Greatest Orators</a></li><li><a href="https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/leadership/tips-from-a-top-ted-talker-on-how-to-be-heard/" target="_blank">AoM Podcast #732: Tips From a Top TED Talker on How to Be Heard</a></li></ul><h2><strong>Connect With Michael Chad Hoeppner</strong></h2><ul><li><a href="https://gktraining.com/" target="_blank">GK Training</a></li><li><a href="https://dontsayum.com/" target="_blank">Don't Say Um website </a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchadhoeppner" target="_blank">Michael on LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://x.com/mchoeppner" target="_blank">Michael on X</a></li></ul><img src="https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2025/01/81nUCokheL._SL1500_.jpg" alt="Book cover features a speech bubble crossed out, saying "Um." Title: "Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life" by Michael Chad Hoeppner. Inspired by man's search for meaning, this guide empowers your voice—perfect for those looking to enhance their podcast skills." />

The Art of Manliness

The Art of Manliness Podcast aims to deepen and improve every area of a man's life, from fitness and philosophy, to relationships and productivity. Engaging and edifying interviews with some of the world's most interesting doers and thinkers drop the fluff and filler to glean guests' very best, potentially life-changing, insights.

From Public Citizens to Therapeutic Selves — The Hidden History of Modern Identity

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Think about a time you've had to speak in front of others — maybe during a work presentation, a wedding toast, or even on a first date. Did you struggle with using too many filler words, such as "um" and "like," talk too fast, or awkwardly ramble? Most of us try to fix these saboteurs of speech by giving ourselves mental mantras: "Slow down"; "Think about what you want to say." But my guest would say that becoming a more engaging and effective speaker comes down to realizing that it's a very physical act that requires getting out of your head and into your body. Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication coach who has worked with everyone from presidential candidates to business executives, is the author of Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. Today on the show, Michael explains why you need to treat speaking as a sport and shares embodied drills and exercises — from playing with Legos to talking with a wine cork in your mouth to throwing a ball against a wall — that will fix common delivery problems, including eliminating ums, enhancing vocal variety, and managing your gestures.

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