5. Overthinking

These are words or sounds you insert into sentences when you're pausing to think. Examples: 'um', 'like'. Too much of these will annoy your audience.

When you simply pause in silence, rather than trying to fill the thinking space with the hiccup, you end up sounding wise and like yo...

• Speak clearly and with an even tone. Not too loud or too quiet, as you could come across as dominating or shy.
• Using filler words such as ‘um’ or ‘so’ or filling in gaps with ‘like’ or ‘you know’ will make you seem less knowledgeable. Pay special attention to your usage...

Productivity says move, move, move. Boredom comes after “I’m not engaged” but before you’ve decided what might be more engaging. It’s uncomfortable because it’s uncertain. It’s unclear. But it’s also an opportunity to recalibrate life toward your values, or simply to rest and res...