This article talks about the correct posture, smile, pitch of sound, eye contact, and long pauses as the five main points to consider for speaking with confidence. I like the idea of long pauses to minimize the fillers like "uh...,and...". This was my big problem during my speeches. I practiced my speeches with optimum pauses and it worked well for my last speech.
For me this article is going to be a big resource. I struggle with filler words not only in public speaking but with everyday conversations.
For me it's a hard habit to break mainly because I was never allowed a chance to speak and this comment accurately explains why I use them:
"Though not an issue when you're giving a speech in front of an audience, when speaking in a group setting (think work meeting) there is often a level of "competition" for the chance to talk. A pause when speaking often gives someone else the opportunity to pounce and take over the role of speaker. A filler word signals others that you're not yet done talking."