Cut the Throat-Clearing

Throat-clearing is every wasted word before your real point. "So, um, thanks for having me, I guess I will just jump right in" delays the promise you made with the opening. Cut straight to the hook.

Record yourself starting a conversation or presentation. Count how many words come before your actual point. Most people add more filler than they realize. Trim it and the opening has a cleaner path to the listener.