“At this point in time”
“The fact of the matter is”
“Quite frankly”
“At the end of the day”
“The bottom line is”
“Let me be very clear”

As much as you can, avoid these phrases. They’re hesitation devices. Phrases to buy you time or to make you sound more authoritative.

But they’re filler, and we don’t need filler.

Be bold. Go straight for the content. You don’t need to clear your throat, and your words don’t need any fluffing.