How to Stop Saying "Basically" and "Actually"
'Basically' and 'actually' sound articulate, which is why they hide so well. Used constantly, they pad your sentences and can sound dismissive. Catching them in the moment is the fastest fix.
Why How to Stop Saying 'Basically' and 'Actually' Is So Hard Under Live Call Pressure
- They feel like 'smart' words, so they slip past self-editing.
- 'Actually' can sound like you're correcting people.
- They tend to spike when you're explaining something complex.
Practical Frameworks & Live Nudges: How to Stop Saying 'Basically' and 'Actually'
- Live filler tracking catches both words as you speak.
- A gentle banner suggests simply starting with your point.
- No meeting bot, just your Mac's microphone.
Interactive Call Example: How to Stop Saying 'Basically' and 'Actually' in Real Time
Step through a sample call habit right here, or open the Live Voice Coaching Studio to test with your own microphone.
Fillers Caught
4
Hedging Phrases
2
Speaking Pace
182 WPM
"So basically the API is actually pretty simple, it basically just syncs data."
Coaching nudge: Start with the point: 'The API syncs data in one call.'
How UmmLike Compares to Other Speech Coaching Tools (2026)
| Platform | Status (Oct 2026) | Live In-Call Speech Coaching | Meeting Bot Required? | Core Focus & Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UmmLike (ummlike.app) | Active (macOS, Windows + Web Studio) | Yes — Sub-second native notifications + 440px Compact HUD | No (100% Bot-Free, Local Mic) | Live filler, hedging rewrites, WPM (130–160 target), & 60s monologue alerts (Free download) |
| Poised (poised.com) | Shut Down (Oct 8–9, 2026) | Discontinued (users redirected to Deepgram Saga dictation) | Was Bot-Free Desktop App | Was $19/mo ($13/mo annual); historical call data deleted Oct 2026 |
| Yoodli (yoodli.ai) | Active ($300M+ Enterprise L&D) | Pre-call AI Roleplays; post-call report for meetings | Yes (for real call recording) | Starter Free (5 lifetime roleplays), Pro $8/mo, Advanced $20/mo annual |
| Cluely (cluely.com) | Active (Pivoted Nov 2025) | AI Meeting Notes & Answer Prompts (not vocal coaching) | No (Desktop Overlay) | Starter Free, Pro $19.99/mo, Undetectability $149.99/mo ($44.99/mo annual) |
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Stop Saying 'Basically' and 'Actually'
Is 'actually' a filler word?
When it doesn't add contrast, yes. It often just pads the sentence.
How fast can I break the habit?
Most people notice a drop within a few weeks of live feedback.
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