But there’s an effective solution: Swap out weak words and phrases for ones that will make you come across as more professional and capable.
Here’s what psychologists, linguists, recruiters and CEOs say you should avoid using if you want to get ahead, along with simple replacements that will make a big difference in how you are perceived:
1. “Does that make sense?”
What to say instead: “What are your thoughts?” or “I’d like your input on this.”
If you ask “Does that make any sense?” after you’ve finished sharing a thought, you’re immediately giving the impression that you’re not convinced yourself, that your idea might be incomplete.
Rather than seeking validation or approval, you should be asking the listener or reader for their opinions on your idea.
What to say instead: “What are your thoughts?” or “I’d like your input on this.”
If you ask “Does that make any sense?” after you’ve finished sharing a thought, you’re immediately giving the impression that you’re not convinced yourself, that your idea might be incomplete.
Rather than seeking validation or approval, you should be asking the listener or reader for their opinions on your idea.
2. “Maybe we should try ...”
What to say instead: “Let’s try…” or “It’s a good idea to try…”
Up until the mid-19th century, “maybe” was written as two words — “may” and “be” — which makes it clear that it literally refers to something that might happen, but might not.
That’s pretty wishy-washy when you apply it to your own ideas or suggestions. Either you believe in what you’re talking about, or you don’t.
What to say instead: “Let’s try…” or “It’s a good idea to try…”
Up until the mid-19th century, “maybe” was written as two words — “may” and “be” — which makes it clear that it literally refers to something that might happen, but might not.
That’s pretty wishy-washy when you apply it to your own ideas or suggestions. Either you believe in what you’re talking about, or you don’t.
3. “I think this would ...”
What to say instead: “I believe this would …”
This is a minor distinction, but a valid one: “I think” sounds weaker than “I believe,” and is a little more doubtful, as if you’re saying something might work, but you’re not sure.
“I believe” puts you in charge of the thought and conveys a calm surety. And even if you’re not so sure at all, no one needs to know that!
What to say instead: “I believe this would …”
This is a minor distinction, but a valid one: “I think” sounds weaker than “I believe,” and is a little more doubtful, as if you’re saying something might work, but you’re not sure.
“I believe” puts you in charge of the thought and conveys a calm surety. And even if you’re not so sure at all, no one needs to know that!
4. “I’m not positive, but …” or “I’m not sure, but …”
What to say instead: Whatever you were going to say after the “but”
You don’t need to add disclaimers. Similarly, if you start your sentence with “I know this might be a stupid question, but …” or “I don’t want to sound pushy, but …,” you’re undermining yourself.
It’s an easy rule that bears repeating: Don’t put yourself down. Ever.
What to say instead: Whatever you were going to say after the “but”
You don’t need to add disclaimers. Similarly, if you start your sentence with “I know this might be a stupid question, but …” or “I don’t want to sound pushy, but …,” you’re undermining yourself.
It’s an easy rule that bears repeating: Don’t put yourself down. Ever.
5. “I just wanted to touch base ...”
What to say instead: “I wanted to touch base ...”
How many times have you started an email with “Just wanted to ask you if …”? The problem in this case is that the “just” is a softener — almost an apology, as if you’re saying, “I hate to bother you, but …”
There’s a time and a place for that, but business communication generally isn’t. READ MORE...
What to say instead: “I wanted to touch base ...”
How many times have you started an email with “Just wanted to ask you if …”? The problem in this case is that the “just” is a softener — almost an apology, as if you’re saying, “I hate to bother you, but …”
There’s a time and a place for that, but business communication generally isn’t. READ MORE...
