Pronunciation, fluency, and coherence - Reducing fillers and...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will recognize the role of fillers and hesitation in IELTS Speaking and understand why reducing them increases your score for fluency and coherence. You will learn strategies to reduce unnecessary pauses, avoid common filler expressions, and speak more smoothly and confidently in exam conditions. You will also be able to identify, monitor, and correct these habits in practice and in the exam.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS, you are required to demonstrate fluent and clear speech with minimal hesitation and unnecessary filler words during the Speaking test. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

• Identify common fillers and hesitation markers that affect fluency and coherence.
• Use techniques to reduce fillers and speak continuously in English.
• Structure answers logically with appropriate linking to minimize pauses.
• Increase confidence in producing smooth, uninterrupted speech.
• Self-monitor and self-correct for fluency errors during speaking practice and exams.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What are “fillers” in IELTS Speaking, and how do they affect your score?
2. List two techniques you can use to reduce unnecessary hesitation during your answers.
3. Why is it important to link ideas in your speaking answer, and how does that relate to fluency and coherence?
4. True or false: Using phrases like “umm,” “well,” and “you know” often is a sign of confident spoken English in IELTS.

Introduction

Fluency and coherence are core criteria for success in the IELTS Speaking test. Speaking fluently does not mean speaking rapidly, but rather producing clear, consistent speech with minimal unnatural pauses or distractions. One of the most frequent problems for candidates is the overuse of fillers (such as “uh,” “umm,” “you know,” “well,” or “like”) and unnecessary hesitations. Managing and reducing these features is essential to maximizing your fluency and coherence score.

Key Term: Filler
An extra word or sound (such as “um”, “uh”, “you know”, “like”, “well”) used to fill pauses in speech, often when the speaker is thinking.

Key Term: Hesitation
A noticeable pause or break in the flow of speech, usually because the speaker is unsure, searching for words, or lacks confidence.

Why Do Candidates Use Fillers and Hesitate?

Many test-takers use fillers to buy time to think or because they are not confident in their vocabulary or ideas. Others hesitate because they are searching for a word or are worried about making a mistake. While brief pauses to think are normal, frequent or long pauses and fillers interrupt the flow of speech, making your answer appear less fluent.

Impact on Your IELTS Speaking Score

Overusing fillers and frequent hesitations makes your speech sound less natural and can lower your band score for fluency and coherence. The IELTS examiner looks for answers that are smooth and continuous. Minor natural pauses are acceptable, but repeated “umm”, “uh”, or unrelated tangents will be penalized.

Key Term: Fluency
The ability to speak smoothly and at a natural pace, without frequent interruption or searching for language.

Key Term: Coherence
The logical flow and organization of ideas, making your answer easy for the listener to follow.

Strategies to Reduce Fillers and Hesitation

To improve, you need practical strategies and regular self-monitoring. Some effective approaches include:

• Practice pausing silently (without a sound or word) when you need to think.
• Prepare topic-specific language and linking phrases to connect ideas fluently.
• Slow down your speech slightly, focusing on clear ideas over speed.
• Use IELTS-appropriate connecting phrases rather than fillers when changing topics or organizing your answer.
• Record yourself and identify repeated fillers or hesitation sounds to remove them.
• Use simple, direct responses before expanding, to keep speech moving smoothly.

Structuring Answers for Fluency and Coherence

Linking your ideas with clear expressions reduces the need to pause or use fillers. Phrases such as “Firstly,” “For example,” “On the other hand,” “In conclusion,” or “Another important point is…” guide the listener, keep you on track, and fill pauses with meaningful content.

Key Term: Linking Phrase
A word or group of words (such as “because,” “for example,” “however”) used to logically connect ideas and help maintain the flow of speaking or writing.

Typical Fillers and Alternatives

Below are filler words to avoid and possible alternatives for giving yourself time to think:

• “uh,” “umm” → (silent pause)
• “you know” → (silent pause or “Let me think for a moment.”)
• “like” → (remove or use a real example: “For instance,”)
• “well” → (only use when starting a new idea, not repeatedly)

Worked Example 1.1

Read the following short candidate answer and analyze the underlined words:

Examiner: Tell me about a hobby you enjoy.

Candidate: “Umm, well, I, uh, like to read, you know, books. Umm, sometimes I, well, go to the library.”

Question: Identify two fillers and one hesitation in this answer. Rewrite the answer to improve fluency, using appropriate linking.

Answer:
Fillers: “Umm,” “you know,” “well.”
Hesitation: “I, uh, like to read” (pause before “like”).
Improved version: “One hobby I really enjoy is reading books. For example, I often go to the library to find new stories to read.”

Worked Example 1.2

Examiner: Do you prefer to spend time indoors or outdoors?

Candidate: “Well, um, I think, uh, being outside is, like, nice, because, you know, I can, um, go jogging, or something.”

Question: Rewrite the answer to remove fillers and increase coherence.

Answer:
“I prefer spending time outdoors because I enjoy fresh air and exercise. For instance, I often go jogging in the park near my home.”

Exam Warning

Fillers may become automatic habits, so you might not realize how often you use them. In IELTS, frequent fillers can lower your band score even if the rest of your answer is correct. Regularly record and review your own speaking to detect and correct this.

Revision Tip

When you need a moment to think, pause briefly and silently. Use prepared linking phrases (“To begin with,” “Another reason is…”) or restate part of the question (“That’s an interesting question”) before giving your main point, rather than filling the silence with “um”.

Summary

Reducing fillers and hesitation is essential for achieving high fluency and coherence scores in IELTS Speaking. Replace unnecessary fillers with silent pauses, meaningful linking phrases, or direct answers. Organize your ideas clearly and practice speaking using recordings and feedback. These habits will help you appear confident, fluent, and well prepared.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Define fillers and hesitation in IELTS Speaking and explain their effects.
• Identify common fillers and unnecessary pauses that lower fluency scores.
• Apply techniques to minimize fillers and reduce hesitations in answers.
• Use logical linking phrases and simple pauses to maintain fluency.
• Structure speaking with coherent, well-connected ideas.
• Self-monitor and practice to develop smoother, more confident speech.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Filler
• Hesitation
• Fluency
• Coherence
• Linking Phrase