People won’t take you seriously if you use 9 phrases, says communication expert
You are experienced. You are sharp. You know why you’re talking. So why do people sometimes talk about you, miss your e -mails or overlook your ideas? Usually, it comes to the words you use.
Aspect opening speaker– LinkedIn Learning Instructorand author “Unforgettable asset“I taught dozens of Fortune 500 teams how to communicate with authority and confidence.
What I find is that the most effective perception changes are due to transforming the small interactions you experience every day, whether you are writing E -mail, even if you write E -mail. How you choose to communicate in these moments play a major role when others see you.
Here is the nine -day expression that may be working silently against you – and if you want people to stop ignoring you and start to take you seriously.
1. ‘I think…’
If you are constantly highlighting your thoughts with “I think”, Even if you trust yourself, I doubt.
Tell me this instead
Cut the preface and do this Strong swap: “I think we should proceed with the new offer,” Say “I recommend that we move forward with the new offer.”
You can always soften the tone later. A suggestion does not necessarily have to be the correct answer, but it indicates that you have the conviction of the leaders.
2. ‘Does this make sense?’
This puts a burden of clarity to the audience and implies You’re not sure how you explain something.
Tell me this instead
You can leave the door open for questions without claiming that it is not important. To try:
- “Let me know if you want me to clarify something”
- “I am happy to elaborate.”
- “If you help, we will be happy to clarify.”
Still open and collaborator – useful without sure – and keeps you in an authority position.
3. ‘I’m sorry to bother you …’
Tell me this instead
Purpose Bullet:
- “I wanted to follow my last note to see if you had a chance to examine.”
- “I have to tell my boss until Thursday, so I wanted to check.”
4. ‘I’m not an expert but…’
You may be working It is humble, but this expression makes you unqualified. And you existing An expert, you have weakened your own reliability.
Tell me this instead
If you still want to clarify what it still means, try it:
- “Here is what I see based on my experience.”
- “A point of view to be considered …”
These sentences still make yourself safe and add some wiggling room if you are not 100% sure.
5. ‘Maybe I was wondering…’
When you are extremely uncertain, your desire or thought seems so insignificant that it is easy to ignore.
Tell me this instead
Many people give a request from each other every day at work. If it helps you feel more comfortable, think of it as a necessary part of your business. Direct (and polite):
- “Will you be open [X specific ask]? ”
- “Can we find time to discuss next week?”
The clearer you are, the easier others to respond.
6. ‘I’m just checking…’
“Only” is one of the worst criminals. “I just wanted to add only two cents quickly.” “Just follow.
Tell me this instead
Again, be open and direct. To try:
- “Following the offer I sent. I would like to confirm the next steps until Friday.”
- “Another idea to consider …”
Leaving “Just” immediately strengthens your tone.
7. ‘I will try…’
This expression indicates a lack of commitment. When I hear, I’m not sure if you just get off to try Or if you really go To do duty. Even if your intentions are good, you can question whether you will follow people.
Tell me this instead
Replace it with action -oriented language. To try:
- “I will take care of it on Thursday.”
- “I will update the slides before our next meeting.”
8. ‘We are happy to help everything you need.’
It sounds generous, but it also makes you a danger of going for random, low -effective tasks. You are ignored for more meaningful projects or if you do not express your powerful aspects or preferences, you will be taken less seriously.
Tell me this instead
Don’t be afraid to be deliberate even if you are generous. To try:
- He continued: “I would like to support the presentation or help to prepare for the next week’s customer meeting. What would be the most useful?”
9. ‘This may be a stupid question, but…’
This is a quick way to weaken It shows a lack of reliability and trust. If you have a question, someone probably has the same one.
Tell me this instead
Continue and ask without a warning. To try:
- “Fast Question – I wonder how you think [X topic]? ”
- “To clarify …”
Be careful to use the negative language like this. You don’t want your colleagues to hear the word “stupid” and subconsciously associate it with you!
Lorraine K. Lee He is the award -winning opening speaker and CEO of Rise Learning Solutions. Also the best -selling writer “Unforgettable asset: visibility, effects and career with your career“LinkedIn Learning and Stanford teach popular courses with continuous work.
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