Everyone has a few verbal tics, and “I mean…” is a common one. It also happens to be an annoying one for many people.
If you mean something, why not just say it? Sure, it’s harmless enough, but when it’s overused, it can make you sound unsure, repetitive, or even not all that bright (and I’m sure you are!). Here are some things you can say instead of “I mean…” to get your message across.
1. “Let’s rephrase that for clarity.”
When you catch yourself about to say “I mean,” try this instead (at least in a work setting — might be a tad awkward when you’re just with your friends). It shows you’re actively thinking about how to express your ideas more clearly, which can make your listener more attentive. Win-win!
2. “To put it another way…”
This is perfect when you want to restate your point from a different angle. It tells the other person that you’re offering a new perspective on the same idea, which can help your listener get a better grip on what you’re saying. It’s especially useful when you’re explaining complex concepts or when you’re not sure if your first explanation was fully understood.
3. “What I’m trying to say is…”
Use this when you’re struggling to articulate a complicated thought. It acknowledges that you’re working on expressing yourself clearly, which can make your listener more patient and understanding. It also buys you a bit of time to organise your thoughts without an awkward pause.
4. “In other words…”
It’s a classic for a reason! This is a great way to introduce a simpler explanation of what you’ve just said, which comes in handy when you’re breaking down a complicated concept for someone.
5. “To clarify…”
When you want to make sure your point is crystal clear, this phrase is your friend. It lets the other person know that you’re about to give more information or context to help them understand.
6. “The point I’m making is…”
Use this when you want to cut through any confusion and get straight to the heart of your argument. It helps refocus the conversation on your main idea. It’s especially helpful when you feel the discussion has veered off track, and you want to bring it back to the central topic.
7. “Allow me to elaborate.”
When you want to expand on a point you’ve already made, this is a good option. It’s a bit more formal, so it’s great for professional situations or when you want to sound more authoritative. It also politely lets the listener know that you’re about to speak at length (though try not to waffle on too long, eh?).
8. “Here’s the thing…”
This is relaxed and casual, and it’s great for introducing the crux of your argument in a friendly, conversational way. It’s like saying, “Here’s what’s really important,” without sounding too formal. It can help create a sense of intimacy in the conversation, as if you’re sharing some real inside info with them.
9. “Let me put it this way…”
Use this when you’re about to offer an analogy or example to illustrate your point. It prepares your listener for a new perspective on what you’ve been discussing. It’s particularly effective when you’re trying to explain something abstract or unfamiliar by relating it to something more concrete or well-known.
10. “To be more specific…”
This is useful when you want to drill down into the details of your argument, especially since it shows that you’re moving from general ideas to the nitty-gritty specifics. If you’ve been talking about a broader topic but want to have a more nuanced conversation, segue with this.
11. “The key point is…”
When you want to emphasise the most important part of your argument, this phrase is perfect. It helps your listener focus on what you consider to be the crucial information. It’s especially applicable during presentations or debates when you want to make sure your main message isn’t lost among other details.
12. “In essence…”
Use this when you want to sum up a complicated idea in simpler terms. It’s like saying, “If we boil it all down, this is what it means.” Pop this in at the end of a long explanation, as it gives a concise summary of your main points.
13. “To put it simply…”
This is great when you’re trying to explain something complicated in more straightforward terms. It shows that you’re making an effort to be easily understood. When you’re speaking to an audience that might not be familiar with technical jargon or complex concepts in your field, it’s especially helpful.
14. “The bottom line is…”
When you want to cut through all the details and get to the main point, this phrase is your go-to. It lets the other person know that you’re about to state the most important takeaway. This can be especially effective in business contexts or when you’re trying to persuade someone to take a particular action.
15. “If I may rephrase that…”
This is polite and perfect for situations where you want to restate something you’ve said, especially if you think you might have been misunderstood the first time. It shows respect for your listener by acknowledging that your initial explanation might not have been as clear as it could have been.
16. “What I’m getting at is…”
Use this when you’re working towards making a point but haven’t quite nailed it yet. It shows that you’re actively thinking and formulating your ideas. As a result, it can make your speech feel more authentic and spontaneous, which can be engaging for your listener.
17. “In a nutshell…”
This is a great way to introduce a concise summary of what you’ve been saying. It’s perfect for wrapping up a long explanation or complex argument in a few simple words. Using this phrase can help ensure that your main points are remembered, even if some of the details are forgotten.
