In today’s competitive environment, the last thing you need is to underestimate yourself
However, many of us do just that when we communicate in a way that sounds less confident, assertive, and insecure. But there is an effective solution: replace the words and expressions that make you weaker with those that will make you more professional and capable.
In today’s competitive environment, the last thing you need is to underestimate yourself. However, many of us do just that when we communicate in a way that sounds less confident, assertive, and insecure. But there is an effective solution: replace the words and expressions that make you weaker with those that will make you more professional and capable.
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What expressions should you avoid if you want to get ahead?
Here’s what psychologists, linguists, recruitment experts, and CEOs advise about which expressions you should avoid if you want to get ahead, and which expressions you could replace them with to make your interviewers perceive you differently.
“Does that make sense?”
What to say instead: “What do you think?” or “I want to hear your thoughts on this.”
If you end your idea or proposal with the question “Does it make sense?”, you give the impression that you are doubting your own idea, that it lacks something. Instead of asking the interviewer to approve your idea with a phrase that casts doubt on your proposal, ask for their opinion directly.
“Maybe we should try . . .”
What to say instead: “Let’s try…” or “It’s a good idea to try…”
The word “may” means that something may happen, but it doesn’t have to. That’s why it’s a bit funny that we use that word to represent our own ideas or suggestions. Because you either believe what you say or you don’t.
“I think we would—”
What to say instead: “I believe this would…”
This is a small but important difference: “I think” sounds less convincing and weaker than “I believe”. Like “maybe”, or “I think” sends the message to the interlocutor that something might work, but you are not sure that it will. “I believe” puts you in a more active position and provides some assurance. After all, even if you’re not that sure at all, no one needs to know!
“I’m sorry”
You can use “I’m sorry” or “I’m sorry about that” for “I’m sorry”. Instead of “You know what I mean,” you can use a more precise sentence that clearly expresses your thoughts or ideas. Instead of “It’s important to note that…”, simply state your idea or fact without any extra useless introduction.
“I’ve always done it this way”
What to say instead: “I’ve tried different ways, but this one seems the best”
The statement “I’ve always done it this way” suggests that the person is not open to new ideas or methods. Instead, we should be willing to try new approaches and adapt the way we work to improve our productivity and efficiency.
The statement “I’ve tried different ways, but this one seems the best” shows that we are willing to experiment and think outside the box to find the best way to do things. It also shows that we are open to different ideas and willing to learn.
“I can’t do it”
What to say instead: “I’ll try to find a way to do it”
The statement “I can’t do it” suggests that the person does not have faith in their abilities or simply does not want to try. Instead, we should be ready for challenges and try to find ways to solve problems.
The statement “I will try to find a way to do it” shows that we are ready to work and that we are ready to find solutions. It is a positive statement that can motivate us to act and give us faith in our abilities.
“I have to”
What to say instead: “I want” or “I’ve decided”
The statement “I have to” suggests that we are forced to do something, not that we want to do it. This can lead to feelings of frustration and resistance.
Instead, we should focus on what we want to do and why we want to do it. The statement “I want” or “I have decided” shows that we have control over our actions and that we are motivated to do something.
“That’s not my job”
What to say instead: “How can I help?”
The statement “It’s not my job” suggests that the person does not want to take responsibility for something that is not directly their duty. Instead, we should be willing to cooperate and help others in the team.