Forget “No worries”, “Sorry, but…”, “I just wanted to know” and discover, instead, how these simple words have the power to boost your aura and your power of persuasion.
Used out of habit, certain expressions can discreetly reduce the impact of your words. Common language tics, likely to affect your credibility on a daily basis, and particularly at work. So how to spot them? Which reformulations should be favored? Sophie Gourion, creator of #LesMotsTuent since 2016 and children’s author, offers some ideas through a post shared on the professional social network LinkedIn.
Very often, certain terms such as “just” or “sorry” are used in an attempt to soften your words. However, these expressions actually weaken your speech and end up doing you a disservice. So, the way you express yourself plays a major role in the image you project. To maximize your credibility, then favor a few very simple reformulations, easy to use at work or in daily life, and which will undoubtedly allow you to gain confidence and persuasion.
Don’t say “just”: Sophie Gourion explains that while the word “just” seems trivial, it actually downplays the importance of what you are going to say. It makes you seem almost apologetic for asking a question or making a remark. She advises replacing this word with a direct formula, i.e. “I wanted to know if…”. According to her, this shows that your request or comment is completely legitimate. A reformulation that reinforces the confidence you have in your words.
Don’t say “no problem” : The expert indicates that when you say “no problem if you can’t”, you anticipate a refusal and you place yourself in a position of less confidence. This sentence suggests that you doubt the success of your request. Instead, she recommends positive wording like “I look forward to working with you.” This will further demonstrate your enthusiasm and imply that you already have confidence in the collaboration, leaving less room for doubts.
Don’t say “small project”: The author emphasizes that using the adjective “small” to talk about one’s work or other subject is an involuntary way of devaluing the thing. Speak confidently about your accomplishments. By saying “I led this file” or “I built this house”, the specialist reveals that these sentences highlight your involvement and show that you are proud of your accomplishments.
Don’t say “it might be stupid, but…”: By starting a sentence by saying “that’s maybe stupid” or “that’s maybe stupid” is like doubting the value of your idea before even presenting it, says the professional. This gives the other person the power to reject your idea more easily. Instead, she advises saying “I have an idea to explore.” This twist enhances your proposal and invites discussion in a constructive manner.
Don’t say “we” instead of “I”: Although it may have a good intention, Sophie Gourion explains that saying “we did” can seem modest and inclusive. Hiding behind a collective “we” can prevent your individual contributions from being recognized. She then recommends asserting your role by stating “I accomplished this with my family” or “I worked with my colleagues to succeed in this project.” You recognize others, while highlighting your own leadership and contribution.
Don’t say “sorry, but…”: For the expert, apologizing before even expressing an opinion or request weakens your position. Saying “sorry, but I just wanted to say…” shows a lack of confidence and suggests that what you are about to say might be upsetting. She indicates that it is best to get straight to the point with wording such as “I would like to say that…” or “I think that…”. This way of speaking shows that you are aware of the value of your words and that you do not need to apologize for expressing them.