Your words define your intent & authority.
But these common phrases are sabotaging your impact... I see speakers sabotage their own credibility by saying things like 'I just wanted to share' or 'This is just my opinion.'
By doing so, you're literally asking the audience to take you less seriously.
Here's are 9 innocent words to replace with better alternatives...
Let's jump right into it.
1. "Fine" → The Silent Trust Killer
- Radiates hidden frustration
- Creates instant tension
Power Move: "Sounds good" or "I'm on board"
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Brain processes positive words first
→ Creates dopamine response in listener
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “I’m fine with that.”
👍 “That sounds good.”
2. "However" → The Authority Drain
- Sounds like corporate-speak
- Creates unnecessary walls
Power Move: Use "but" or flip to positive
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Short words feel more authentic
→ Matches natural speech patterns
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “We’ll deliver this today. However, it may take longer.”
👍 “We’ll deliver this today, but it may take a bit longer.”
3. "Unfortunately" → The Confidence Crusher
- Takes blame you don't need
- Makes good news sound bad
Power Move: State facts with strength
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Activates solution-focused thinking
→ Builds perceived competence
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “Unfortunately, we only have two options available.”
👍 “We have two options available for you.”
4. Double Negatives → The Clarity Block
- ❌ "I couldn't be more proud"
- ❌ "He's not wrong"
Power Move: "I'm incredibly proud" or "He's right"
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Brain processes 42% faster
→ Creates immediate emotional connection
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “I couldn’t be more excited.”
👍 “I’m thrilled.”
5. "Can't until" → The Power Surrender
- Focuses on what you lack
- Makes you seem limited
Power Move: "I'm available at [time]"
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Triggers abundance mindset
→ Projects proactive leadership
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “I can’t meet until 3 PM.”
👍 “I’m available at 3 PM.”
6. "Honestly" → The Trust Destroyer
- Why mention honesty now?
- Plants seeds of doubt
Power Move: Just say what you mean
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Maintains baseline trust
→ Increases perceived authenticity
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “Honestly, I don’t think this works.”
👍 “I don’t think this works.”
7. "Just" → The Impact Killer
- Shrinks your presence
- Sounds apologetic
Power Move: Remove it. Period.
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Commands more attention
→ Signals earned authority
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “I just wanted to check in.”
👍 “I wanted to check in.”
8. "Sorry" → The Authority Eroder
- Over-apologizing makes you look smaller
- Signals guilt even when you did nothing wrong
Power Move: Replace with gratitude: “Thanks for your patience”
or “I appreciate your flexibility”
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Shifts focus from fault to appreciation
→ Builds positive emotional association
→ Positions you as composed under pressure
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “Sorry for being late.”
👍 ““Thanks for your patience”
or “I appreciate your flexibility”
9. "No problem" → The Value Minimizer
- Diminishes your effort
- Deflects recognition
Power Move: "My pleasure" or "Happy to help"
WHY IT WORKS:
→ Activates reciprocity instinct
→ Builds social capital
EXAMPLES:
🚫 “No problem.”
👍 “It was a pleasure to help you.”
WORST PART?
These words become habits.
And habits shape how others see you.
BUT..
Strong language = Strong presence
Question for you Reader: Which one of these "innocent" words are you guilty of using or over-using? I must confess I use "just" just too often.
-Waqas
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