I must admit, I’ve made this mistake myself.  During a 45-minute podcast, I relied too heavily on ‘ums,’ which I know better, which detracts from my message and undermines my professionalism. I am committed to improving.

Article:

Many of us face the challenge of using "ums, uhs, and you know” in conversations.  These seemingly harmless fillers reflect a habit that can be overcome with awareness and practice.  Have you found yourself in this situation?

• Many speakers feel an overwhelming urge to keep the conversation flowing, avoiding silent pauses.
• They lean on’ uh’s and’ uhh’s to signal to listeners that they are processing their thoughts, ultimately disrupting the communication flow.
• These fillers serve as mere placeholders, buying time for the speaker to conjure their following response.
• However, while brief gaps in conversation can confuse listeners, moments of silence can also prove invaluable, allowing both speaker and audience the opportunity to reflect and engage more thoughtfully.
• It's crucial to remember that this seemingly minor habit can be corrected with recognition and a genuine commitment to change; significant improvement is not just a possibility, but a reality.
• Others use the common filler “ord, “you know, in sentences to fill pauses in conversations, giving the speaker time to think.  Similarly, phrases like ‘like,’ ‘so,’ and ‘actually’ are often used as fillers, detracting from the clarity and professionalism of your speech.
• Though breaking the habit may be challenging, the rewards are significant.  Recognize that doing so will significantly enhance your professionalism, particularly in high-stakes situations such as meetings, presentations, podcasts, and webinars.
• To maintain a professional presence, eliminate “Ums,” “Uhs,” and “you know.” 
• To illustrate, I have a friend who is a mortgage broker. He tends to end his sentences with’ or’ or whatever.  This habit not only undermines his credibility but also wastes precious time.  Similarly, I’ve caught myself using ‘you know’ in my conversations, and I’ve seen how it can detract from the clarity and impact of my message.
• I consider the dead air of silence an intellectual pause and time to think, which appears professional.  Short pauses also show that you are feeling and in control.

So, I encourage you to take control of your speech, eliminate“ uhmss’ and ‘uhs,’ and elevate your communication to new heights.  Embrace the power of silence, and have a fantastic day!