The filler word trap
Most CELPIP candidates know they say "um" and "uh" too much. What they don't know is what to replace them with — so they either continue using fillers or fall into an unnatural, robotic silence.
The goal is not to eliminate all thinking pauses. Natural speech includes pauses. The goal is to replace unconscious, meaningless fillers with pauses that feel intentional and confident.
The three filler categories
Category 1: Unconscious fillers (eliminate these)
- "Um," "uh," "er" — pure hesitation markers
- "Like" used as a filler: "I was like, I didn't know what to do"
- "You know" — seeking confirmation the listener doesn't need to give
- "So yeah" — closing a point weakly
Category 2: Acceptable bridging phrases (use sparingly)
These are natural in speech and don't damage your score when used occasionally:
- "That's a good question" (ONLY for Task 7 opinion prompts, once)
- "What I mean is..." (once, to self-correct)
- "Let me think about this for a second" (acceptable if used once in prep, not mid-response)
Category 3: Filler replacements that actually help
Replace "um" with one of these:
| Instead of "um"... | Use... |
|---|---|
| Before a new point | "What's also worth mentioning is..." |
| When you need a breath | A deliberate 1-second pause. Silence is not penalised. |
| When you're processing a complex idea | "What I find interesting about this is..." |
| When transitioning | "Beyond that,..." / "Additionally,..." |
The speed problem
Most candidates speak too fast when nervous. The examiner doesn't give you more points for saying more words — they give you points for coherent, clear content.
At the right pace for CLB 8: Approximately 120–140 words per minute.
Practice this: Record yourself answering a practice prompt. Count the words. If you said more than 200 words in 90 seconds, you're likely speaking too fast and losing Listenability marks.
The pause is your friend
A deliberate pause — especially before a key point — signals confidence and gives the listener time to process what you just said.
Without pause: "My first piece of advice would be to talk to your manager because the earlier you raise this the better because waiting only makes it more complicated."
With strategic pause: "My first piece of advice would be to talk to your manager. [pause] The reason I'd prioritise that — the earlier you raise this, the more options you have. Waiting only makes it more complicated."
The second version is clearer, sounds more considered, and takes approximately the same time to say.