Excessive. annoying. Every second word. impact. filler. pause. indecision. nerves. vocabulary. unintelligent. clueless.
You are saying "like" so many times, how could you speak like that? Are you trying to win a competition? You're definitely winning the competition. But, are you really winning?
"Like" pervades. Lately, "like" has found a way without realization and recognition,more than ever in my everyday life. Do you notice its effect? Where is the clarity in your communication when what you say is jumbled by confusing "like" debris? What are you trying to say? Pause and gather your thoughts.
Don't dumb yourself down. I know that you are wildly smart and capable. Who or what influences and perpetuates "like" usage in your life? When are you most likely to use "like"? When you're nervous or formulating your thoughts or telling a story? Catch yourself. How you show up is how you'll be perceived. Perception can become reality.
There are appropriate times to use "like". I "like" your fuzzy dinosaur socks. I "like" you a lot. You smell "like" a concoction of lavender and grilled cheese.
Two finger-counting examples below: