We all want to be taken seriously, whether in our professional lives, social circles, or even casual conversations. But sometimes, the words we choose can unintentionally undermine our credibility. Certain phrases, while seemingly harmless, might make others perceive us as less confident, knowledgeable, or competent. You’re not trying to be perfect, but being aware of these verbal pitfalls can help you communicate more effectively and leave a lasting positive impression.
1. “I’m not sure, but…”
Starting a sentence with doubt instantly weakens your position. Even if you’re unsure, try rephrasing to highlight what you do know. Instead of saying, “I’m not sure, but I think it’s a good idea,” you could say, “There are definitely some positive aspects to this idea, and it’s worth exploring further.” This subtle shift focuses on the potential rather than the uncertainty.
2. “This might be a silly question, but…”
By prefacing your question with this disclaimer, you’re essentially undermining yourself before you even get started. It signals a lack of confidence in your own thoughts and can make people less likely to take your question seriously. Instead, ask your question directly and confidently. Remember, curiosity is a strength, not a weakness.
3. “I’m just…”
Whether it’s “I’m just a student” or “I’m just an intern,” using “just” minimises your role and contributions. Own your position and contributions, even if you’re still learning. Instead of saying, “I’m just an intern, so I don’t know much,” try, “I’m an intern eager to learn and contribute to the team.” This shows initiative and a willingness to grow.
4. “I feel like…”
While acknowledging your feelings is important, overusing “I feel like” can make your statements sound less factual and more subjective. Instead of saying, “I feel like this project could be improved,” try, “This project has the potential for improvement in these areas.” This shift focuses on concrete observations and suggestions rather than just personal feelings.
5. “I think…”
Similar to “I feel like,” overusing “I think” can weaken your statements. While it’s fine to express your thoughts, try to use stronger verbs like “believe,” “suggest,” or “propose” when appropriate. This subtle change can make your ideas sound more confident and well-formed.
6. “No problem” (in response to “thank you”)
While intended to be polite, responding to “thank you” with “no problem” can unintentionally diminish the value of your actions. It suggests that what you did was effortless or insignificant. Instead, try using phrases like “you’re welcome,” “my pleasure,” or “I’m happy to help.” This acknowledges the gratitude and reinforces the positive impact of your actions.
7. “Sorry to bother you, but…”
Starting an interaction with an apology sets a submissive tone and can make you seem less confident. Unless you’re genuinely interrupting or inconveniencing someone, there’s no need to apologise for asking a question or asking for help. Instead, approach the situation with confidence and respect, stating your needs or concerns directly.
8. “I’m no expert, but…”
Source: Unsplash While humility is a virtue, constantly downplaying your knowledge or expertise can undermine your credibility. Instead of starting with this disclaimer, share your insights or perspectives confidently. If you’re unsure, focus on your observations or experiences rather than diminishing your knowledge altogether.
9. “It’s not a big deal, but…”
Source: Unsplash Similar to “sorry to bother you,” this phrase downplays the importance of what you’re about to say. It can make people less inclined to pay attention or take your concerns seriously. Instead, state your point directly and confidently, without minimising its significance. If it’s not a big deal, you likely wouldn’t be bringing it up in the first place.
10. “I’ll try my best.”
Source: Unsplash While this phrase might seem like a commitment, it can also imply a lack of confidence in your ability to deliver. Instead of “trying,” focus on what you will do. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll try my best to finish the report by Friday,” say, “I’ll have the report finished by Friday.” This demonstrates confidence and sets clear expectations.
11. “I might be wrong, but…”
Source: Unsplash Starting with this disclaimer undermines your credibility and makes people less likely to trust your judgment. While acknowledging the possibility of error is okay, constantly doubting yourself can erase your authority. Instead, present your perspective confidently and be open to feedback or alternative viewpoints without immediately dismissing your own ideas.
12. “Honestly,” “To be honest,” or “To tell you the truth.”
Source: Unsplash These phrases can unintentionally imply that you’re not always truthful. It’s better to simply state your point without these qualifiers. Your honesty and sincerity should be evident through your words and actions, not through the use of these phrases.
13. “Like,” “you know,” or “sort of.”
Filler words like these can make you sound unsure or unprepared. They clutter your speech and distract from your message. While it’s natural to use them occasionally, excessive use can undermine your credibility. Practice speaking more deliberately and consciously eliminating these filler words.
14. “Whatever you want” or “It doesn’t matter to me.”
While being agreeable is important, constantly deferring to other people can make you seem indecisive or lacking in opinions. It’s okay to have preferences and express them respectfully. Instead of always saying “whatever you want,” offer your own suggestions or opinions while still being open to compromise.
15. “It’s probably nothing, but…”
Source: Unsplash Similar to “it’s not a big deal, but,” this phrase downplays the significance of what you’re about to say. If you’re bringing up a concern or observation, it’s likely because you believe it’s worth addressing. Instead of minimising it, state your point clearly and confidently, explaining why you think it’s important.
16. “I’m so bad at this.”
Source: Unsplash Self-deprecating humour can be endearing in moderation, but constantly putting yourself down can destroy your confidence and make people question your abilities. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, highlight your strengths and areas for improvement. Instead of saying, “I’m so bad at public speaking,” try, “I’m working on improving my public speaking skills.” This shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
17. “I can’t believe I did that.”
Source: Unsplash While it’s natural to express frustration or embarrassment over mistakes, dwelling on them can make you seem incompetent or lacking in self-assurance. Instead of focusing on the past, focus on solutions and learning opportunities. Instead of saying, “I can’t believe I made that error,” try, “I’ve learned from this mistake and will ensure it doesn’t happen again.” This demonstrates resilience and a growth mindset.
18. “Perfect!” (in response to suggestions or feedback)
Source: Unsplash While enthusiasm is appreciated, responding to every suggestion with “perfect!” can make you seem overly eager to please or lacking in critical thinking. It’s okay to take a moment to consider feedback or suggestions before agreeing. You can express appreciation while still asking clarifying questions or offering alternative perspectives.
