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What are best practices for editing filler words without making dialogue sound unnatural?
Asked on Nov 10, 2025
Answer
Editing filler words, such as "um" and "uh," is essential for maintaining a polished and professional podcast. The key is to remove these words without disrupting the natural flow and rhythm of the dialogue.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Identify filler words in the audio track using waveform analysis or listening passes.
- Step 2 – Carefully cut or fade out the filler words, ensuring the surrounding speech remains fluid.
- Step 3 – Listen to the edited section to confirm that the pacing and tone remain natural and consistent.
Additional Comment:
- Use crossfades to smooth transitions between edited segments.
- Maintain consistent background noise levels to avoid noticeable edits.
- Focus on removing only excessive filler words to preserve the speaker's natural style.
- Practice active listening to determine which fillers can be left in without affecting clarity.
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