answer:I wonder whether your own awareness has you halfway to eliminating the problem. There is an odd need in many of us to launch a sentence sometimes by starting w., “Well,” “Um, ” Basically, ” Actually.” I think that it is a way of preparing one’s more cogent thoughts. There is also a fear of a little silence that might allow for prep or organization. I am very aware of speakers who DON’T do this; usually on NPR. I used to do a lot of public speaking and Q & A, and I wanted to be the grand pooh-bah of extemp. remarks. I remember that I was able to listen to myself while I was talking. W. practice, it got easier. If you are secure w. your subject matter, and I am sure that you are, let your inner ear help. Your instincts about this are accurate.