🗨️ Using Fillers and Hesitation Devices Naturally in IELTS Speaking

Even native speakers pause to think when answering a question — and you can too. In IELTS Speaking, using hesitation devices correctly can help you stay fluent and avoid awkward silence. But they must sound natural. In this guide, you’ll learn which fillers are effective and how to use them like a fluent speaker.

📌 What Are Fillers and Why Use Them?

Fillers are short, natural expressions used while thinking. They give you a moment to plan your response without stopping the conversation.

Examples:

• “Well, let me think…”
• “That’s a good question.”
• “To be honest, I haven’t really thought about that…”
• “I suppose…”

✅ How Fillers Help Your Speaking Score

• They maintain fluency by preventing silence
• They sound natural when used moderately
• They buy time to think clearly before answering

🧠 Recommended Fillers (Fluent & Natural)

Use these to start or organize your answers:

• “Hmm… that’s interesting.”
• “Well, I guess I’d say…”
• “Actually, I’ve never thought about it before, but…”
• “To be honest, I’m not entirely sure, but maybe…”
• “Let me take a moment to think…”

⚠️ What to Avoid

Not all fillers are helpful. Avoid the following:

• ❌ Repeating “Umm, uh, like…” too often
• ❌ Using one filler for every question
• ❌ Using native slang like “you know,” “sort of,” in excess
• ❌ Sounding memorized — fillers should be flexible, not scripted

🗣️ Example of Good Filler Usage

Q: What type of books do you enjoy reading?

Answer:
“Hmm, that’s a good question. I guess I’d say I enjoy reading biographies. They give me insight into people’s lives and challenges. I recently read one about a famous entrepreneur, and it was really inspiring.”

🛠️ Practice Exercise

Record yourself answering the following questions using 1 filler at the beginning:

• What’s your favorite holiday destination?
• Do you think children should have homework?
• What do you usually do in your free time?

🎯 Final Advice

Using hesitation devices the right way can boost fluency without sounding forced. Practice using 2–3 natural fillers and rotate between them. Don’t overuse them — just let them help you stay in control when thinking. With the right balance, you’ll sound more relaxed, fluent, and confident.

See also next IELTS Speaking for Introverts – Building Confidence Without Changing Who You Are

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