If you want people to take you seriously, stop saying these 8 common phrases
When you throw out a sarcastic comment, you’re sure it’s a laugh. If you’re dropping a ‘whatever’, you think it’s no big deal.
That’s the basic assumption of everyday communication.
But, guess what? It gets more intricate than that. In fact, the human psyche is so fascinatingly complicated that a casual statement can make or break your credibility.
Want to be taken seriously? There are 8 common phrases you might be using that psychology suggests you ditch.
Welcome to the intriguing world of words and their impact on our perceived seriousness. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
1) “Whatever”
We’ve all been there.
A heated conversation starts spiralling, and to keep the peace, we throw out a casual “whatever”. We think it’s harmless, a verbal white flag of sorts.
But here’s the twist – this one word can make you come across as being dismissive and unengaged, which is the last thing you want when you’re aiming for seriousness.
Psychology points out that using “whatever” weakens your credibility. It projects an image of someone who doesn’t care enough to engage in a meaningful conversation and can’t be bothered to articulate their thoughts.
So, if you’re guilty of using this phrase, you might want to think twice before letting it slip out again. Remember, your words are a reflection of your attitude, and people are always listening.
Interesting, isn’t it?
2) “I guess”
Let me tell you a story from my personal experience.
Years ago, I found myself in a meeting with a group of seasoned professionals. Nerves got the better of me, and I found myself starting almost every sentence with “I guess”.
It wasn’t until later that a mentor pulled me aside and explained how this phrase was undermining my credibility.
“I guess” – it sounds harmless, right? But it’s one of those phrases that, in excess, can paint a picture of uncertainty and lack of confidence.
Psychology tells us that phrases like “I guess” make us appear less assertive. It implies that we’re unsure of our own thoughts and ideas.
In an environment where you’re striving to be taken seriously, this is far from ideal.
Since then, I’ve been more conscious about the words I use, particularly in professional settings. And trust me, it’s made all the difference.
Quite an eye-opener, isn’t it?
3) “Just”
“Can you just…” or “I was just thinking…” – these phrases are all too familiar, aren’t they?
The word ‘just’ is a common filler word we use when we’re trying to soften our statements or requests.
But did you know that using ‘just’ too often can make you seem a little less confident? It’s like you’re asking for permission to express your thoughts or ideas.
Research in linguistics has shown that overusing ‘just’ can diminish the impact of what we’re saying. It turns strong, assertive statements into weak requests.
It’s best to remove the ‘just’ and let your thoughts stand on their own merit. Believe in what you have to say, and others will too.
Surprising, right?
4) “I think”
“I think” is a phrase we tend to use quite often, especially when we’re sharing our ideas or expressing our opinions.
While it may seem innocent, this phrase can subtly undermine your authority. It suggests that you are uncertain or lack confidence in your own ideas.
Psychology suggests that replacing “I think” with more assertive phrases such as “I believe” or “I am confident that” can significantly boost your perceived seriousness and credibility.
So, the next time you catch yourself about to say “I think,” pause and consider if there’s a more assertive phrase you could use.
A small change, but the impact can be profound.
5) “Sorry, but…”
I’ve been there, and you probably have too. You have a point to make, but you don’t want to upset anyone. So, you start your sentence with a “Sorry, but…”.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned – using “Sorry, but…” too often can make you seem apologetic for having an opinion. It gives off the impression that you’re not confident in your own thoughts.
Psychology suggests that unnecessary apologies can diminish our credibility. It’s important to stand by our ideas and opinions, and express them without feeling the need to apologise.
So, if you’re like I used to be, and you find yourself constantly apologising before stating your perspective, it might be time to reassess how you communicate.
Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Quite a revelation, isn’t it?
6) “Literally”
We’ve all done it – used the word “literally” to add emphasis to our statements. “I was literally dying of laughter”, or “I’m literally starving”.
While it seems like a great way to make your point more dramatic, overuse of this word can actually have the opposite effect.
Psychology suggests that when we resort to exaggerations too often, it can make us seem less reliable. If everything is ‘literally’ this or that, people may start to question the accuracy of your statements.
The key is to use such phrases sparingly and only when they accurately depict the situation. This way, you maintain your credibility, and people are more likely to take your words seriously.
Sounds different from what we usually believe, right?
7) “Maybe”
“Maybe” is another word that can unknowingly undermine your credibility. It’s often used when we’re unsure or don’t want to make a firm commitment.
Psychology tells us that using “maybe” frequently portrays a lack of decisiveness and can make us appear less confident.
Instead of saying “maybe,” it’s better to be clear and straightforward. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to say so, but aim to replace the indecisive “maybe” with a more confident response as soon as you can.
Small changes like these can make a big difference in how others perceive you.
Intriguing, isn’t it?
8) “I don’t know”
The last phrase on our list is “I don’t know”. Now, it’s perfectly okay to admit when you don’t know something – in fact, it can be a sign of honesty and humility.
However, leaning on this phrase too often can make you appear less knowledgeable and less confident in your abilities.
Psychology encourages us to replace “I don’t know” with phrases like “Let me find out” or “I’ll look into it”.
This way, you’re projecting an image of someone proactive and willing to learn – traits that are crucial if you want to be taken seriously.
Remember, the words you choose can shape how others perceive you. So choose wisely.
Final thoughts
If you’ve come this far, you’ll understand the power words can have on our perceived seriousness.
The choice of phrases we use, seemingly insignificant, can either build our credibility or unknowingly undermine it.
Remember, it’s not about masking your authenticity with a façade of assertiveness. It’s about being mindful of the words you use and understanding their impact on your image.
As the famous quote from Peter Drucker goes, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”
In the same way, it’s crucial to understand that what we say (and how we say it) portrays a certain image of us to others.
So, the next time you find yourself uttering one of these common phrases, take a moment. Reflect on what you’re about to say and how it might be perceived.
After all, if you want to be taken seriously, your words matter just as much as your actions.
Quite a revelation, isn’t it?
