Ever feel like your words are holding you back at work? You’re not alone. How we communicate can make or break our confidence, and sometimes, the little things trip us up. Those seemingly harmless phrases we use daily might sabotage our professional image without us even realizing it. But here’s the good news: with a few tweaks to your vocabulary, you can project the confidence you’ve always had inside and control your professional narrative.
Think about it: Have you ever caught yourself downplaying your ideas or apologizing for your opinions? It’s time to break free from those habits and step into your power. Being mindful of your words can change how others see you and, more importantly, how you see yourself. Are you ready to unleash your inner powerhouse? Let’s explore confident communication and how to use words to your advantage.
01
You need to stop saying「just」to make your statements more powerful
It’s likely that you’ve used ‘just’ numerous times, believing it softens your message. However, it’s essential to realize that it’s actually undermining your authority. When you say, ‘I’m just checking in,’ or ‘I just wanted to ask, you’re unconsciously downplaying the importance of your actions or questions. It’s as if you’re apologizing for taking up space or time.
Instead of using “just,” try being direct. “I’m checking in on the project status” sounds more assertive and shows you mean business. You’re not “just” doing anything; you’re taking necessary action. This small change can significantly impact how others perceive your confidence and competence.
Remember, your words and actions have value. By removing the word “just” from your professional vocabulary, you’re telling yourself and others that what you have to say matters. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you’ll notice a shift in how people respond to you. They’ll take your words more seriously because you’re presenting them with greater conviction.
02
You should avoid undermining your expertise with unnecessary qualifiers
Have you ever started a sentence with “I’m no expert, but…”? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a common phrase many use to hedge their bets or appear humble. However, this qualifier can seriously undermine your credibility, even if you have valuable insights to share.
When you start your statements with disclaimers, you’re essentially telling others not to take you seriously. Instead of downplaying your knowledge, it’s crucial to own it! If you have an opinion or idea worth sharing, present it confidently. You don’t need to be the world’s leading authority to contribute meaningfully to a conversation.
Try rephrasing your thoughts without the qualifier. For example, instead of saying, “I’m no expert, but I think we should try this approach,” say, “Based on my experience, I believe this approach could be effective.” This way, you’re acknowledging your perspective while still presenting your idea with confidence. Remember, your unique experiences and viewpoints are valuable; don’t sell yourself short! Your perspective matters and can make a significant contribution to the conversation.
03
To control your narrative, you must replace 「can’t」with「won’t」
How often do you find yourself saying ‘I can’t’ when faced with a challenge or request? While it might seem like a harmless way to decline something, ‘can’t’ actually robs you of power. It implies that external factors are controlling your actions, rather than you making a conscious choice.
Switching “can’t” to “won’t” is a game-changer. When you say, “I won’t,” you’re taking ownership of your decisions. It shows that you’re in control and have the ability to set boundaries. For instance, instead of saying, “I can’t meet that deadline,” try, “I won’t compromise the quality of my work by rushing it.” This demonstrates that you’re making an active choice based on your professional standards.
This shift in language not only projects confidence in others but also reinforces your sense of agency. You’re no longer a victim of circumstances but a proactive decision-maker. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you’ll find yourself feeling more empowered in your professional interactions.
04
You ought to present your ideas as statements rather than questions
Have you ever caught yourself pitching an idea like this: “What if we tried…?” While it might seem like a gentle way to introduce a suggestion, framing your ideas as questions can actually undermine their value. It’s as if you’re seeking permission or approval before even fully expressing your thoughts.
Instead of asking, make a statement. Present your idea with conviction. For instance, instead of posing the question, “What if we approached the project this way?” Try “I propose we approach the project this way.” This simple change in phrasing shows that you believe in your idea and are confident in its potential.
By presenting your thoughts as statements, you’re inviting discussion rather than immediate judgment. It encourages others to consider your idea seriously rather than dismissing it outright. Don’t let your delivery undermine the quality of your ideas before they receive attention.
05
To gain more credibility, you should remove Valley Girl jargon
Have you ever noticed how some people speak with a lot of filler words? This “Valley girl” style of speaking, complete with vocal fry (that creaky voice quality), might seem harmless or even trendy, but in a professional setting, it can seriously undermine your credibility.
When you pepper your speech with unnecessary fillers or adopt a vocal style that’s associated with immaturity, you risk distracting from your message. Your audience may focus on your delivery rather than your content. This can lead to a lack of trust in your expertise and authority.
To combat this, focus on speaking clearly and concisely. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before speaking, and aim for a more measured pace. Practice eliminating filler words and paying attention to your vocal tone. You don’t need to change who you are, but refining your speech will help people pay more attention to your ideas and take you more seriously.
06
You should tone down exclamation marks and emojis in professional communication
In our digital age, it’s simple to fall into the habit of peppering our professional emails and messages with exclamation marks and emojis. While these can add personality to your communication, overusing them can actually undermine your professional image and confidence.
Excessive exclamation marks can make you seem overly eager or even desperate for approval. Similarly, too many emojis in professional contexts can come across as immature or unprofessional. Often motivated by a desire to appear friendly or likeable, these habits can actually undermine the seriousness of your message.
Try to strike a balance in your written communication. Use punctuation and emojis sparingly and purposefully. A well-placed exclamation mark can convey enthusiasm when appropriate, but overuse diminishes its impact. Remember, your words should be strong enough to stand on their own without relying on digital crutches to convey your tone or emotions.
07
You must stop asking if it makes sense to maintain your authority
Have you ever found yourself ending a presentation or explanation with, “Am I making sense?” While it might seem like you’re being considerate by checking for understanding, this phrase can actually undermine your authority and suggest a lack of confidence in your own expertise.
When you ask if you’re making sense, you’re essentially inviting doubt into the conversation. It implies that you’re not sure if you’ve explained things clearly, which can make others question your competence. Instead of seeking validation, assume that you’ve communicated effectively.
If you want to check for understanding, try rephrasing your question. For example, you could ask, “What are your thoughts on this approach?” For instance, you could inquire, “What are your thoughts on this approach?” or “Do you have any questions about the process I’ve outlined?” These questions encourage engagement without jeopardizing your position as an expert. Remember, confidence comes from trusting in your own knowledge and abilities.
08
You need to replace「try」to take decisive action to show commitment
How often do you catch yourself saying, “I’ll try”? While it might seem like a safe way to approach tasks or challenges, using “try” often indicates a lack of commitment and can undermine your confidence. It leaves room for failure before you’ve even begun.
Instead of saying you’ll try, commit to action. For example, rather than “I’ll try to finish the report by Friday,” say “I will finish the report by Friday.” This simple change in language shows dedication and confidence in your abilities. It also sets a clear expectation for yourself and others.
By eliminating “try” from your vocabulary, you’re not only projecting more confidence to others, but also reinforcing your own belief in your capabilities. It’s about adopting a mindset of “I can and I will” rather than “I might.” Remember, confident people don’t just try; they do.
09
To be direct and honest, you should say「no」instead of「maybe」
Have you ever found yourself saying “maybe” when you really meant “no”? It’s a common habit, often born from a desire to avoid conflict or disappoint others. However, this tendency can seriously undermine your confidence and professional relationships.
Telling yourself or others “maybe” instead of “no” is dishonest. It can lead to misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations, and added stress as you try to navigate commitments you never really wanted to make. Being direct with your “no” shows confidence in your decisions and respect for others’ time.
Practice saying “no” clearly and politely when necessary. For example, instead of “Maybe I can take on that extra project,” try “I appreciate you thinking of me, but my current workload doesn’t allow for additional tasks right now.” It might feel uncomfortable at first, but being honest and direct will earn you respect and reinforce your confidence in setting boundaries.