Public speaking training often teaches us to remove every filler word from our speech. Podcasters frequently ask in podcasting communities whether to delete every "um" or leave them in.Psychology offers a different perspective for us on removing all these filler words through the "Pratfall Effect". This concept suggests that highly competent people become more relatable and likable when they make small mistakes because perfection creates something like a wall between you and your audience.In this micro-episode:How over-editing can lead to this "Uncanny Valley" effectWhy filler words can serve as processing signals for your listenerThe risk of sounding too much like AI-generated content, because it's 2026Find more episodes and subscribe at stereoforest.com/minute.About and SupportWritten, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan.Website and Contact at https://stereoforest.com/minuteGet StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletterProduced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.comAbout Jen at https://jendehaan.comSupport the ShowLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAbout JenHost: Jen deHaan is the founder of StereoForest. With a background of over 20 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance, Jen brings systems and scientific approach to media production.Jen's website: https://jendehaan.comThis podcast is a StereoForest production. Made and produced in British Columbia, Canada.