Filler Words Are Silencing Young Voices, Dare2Debate is Planning to Change That

During conversations, presentations, and or perhaps in a debate, the words we choose and the ones we shouldn’t shape how confidently we are perceived.

Filler sounds like “uh” and “um” may seem harmless, but they can quietly erode a speaker’s credibility. They create the impression that the person is unsure, unprepared, or struggling to find the right words. An “uh” hints at a brief pause between thoughts; an “um” suggests the speaker may be digging for information they don’t quite have.In competitive or formal settings, these tiny sounds can make a big difference.

They disrupt the flow of speech, weaken arguments, and distract from otherwise well-prepared points. That is why communication experts suggest replacing filler words with intentional silence, allowing the audience to absorb the previous idea while giving the speaker a moment to gather the next. The silence itself becomes a tool of confidence and control, projecting mastery rather than hesitation.

This erosion of articulate communication, especially among young people, is one of the gaps Dare2Debate hopes to close.

Set for December 13, 2025, in Ikeja, Lagos, Dare2Debate is stepping forward as a platform to rekindle disciplined, persuasive, and intellectually rich communication in Nigerian schools.

The event, endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, aims to restore the culture of structured debate where ideas are tested, challenged, and defended with clarity.

Driven by project director Davies Ikpoyi and his team under the Think. Speak. Lead. (TSL) initiative, the programme has already shaped more than 3,000 students across Nigeria, strengthening their public speaking, critical reasoning, and leadership abilities.

“Dare2Debate is a classroom for courageous thinking and speaking,” Ikpoyi said, stressing how the platform is helping young Nigerians articulate their thoughts with precision, argue with purpose, and lead with confidence.

By tackling the habits that dilute effective communication and replacing them with skills that empower young minds, Dare2Debate is hoping to build a generation of sharper thinkers with confident voices.