10 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent, according to psychology

We all want to come across as intelligent and articulate, right? But sometimes, without even realizing it, we say things that undermine our own credibility.

According to psychology, there are certain phrases that can instantly make us sound less intelligent. Yikes!

But don’t worry, I’m here to help. By becoming aware of these phrases, we can avoid them and maintain our intellectual image.

Let’s dive into the world of communication pitfalls. Here are 10 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent, according to psychology.

1) “Like, umm, you know”

Are you guilty of using fillers in your speech? Words like “like”, “umm”, and “you know” might seem harmless enough when you’re chatting with friends. But when it comes to conveying intelligence and professionalism, they can be your downfall.

These fillers tend to slip out when we’re trying to think of what to say next. They can make us come across as uncertain or unprepared. Even worse, they may lead others to believe we lack the knowledge or confidence to articulate our thoughts clearly.

Psychologists suggest that reducing or eliminating the use of these fillers can significantly enhance how others perceive our intelligence.

When you find yourself reaching for a filler word, take a moment. Pause. Gather your thoughts. Then speak with clarity and purpose. You might be surprised at how much smarter you sound!

2) “I’m no expert, but…”

I’ve caught myself saying this one more often than I’d like to admit. It might seem like a humble way to preface an opinion, but it actually undermines the validity of our own thoughts.

When we start a statement with “I’m no expert, but…”, we’re immediately diminishing our credibility. We’re telling the listener that we don’t fully trust our own knowledge or perspective.

I remember when I was presenting a project at work. My boss asked for my opinion on a potential strategy and I started with, “I’m no expert, but I think we should…” Later, a colleague pointed out that my idea was good, but using that phrase made me sound less confident and knowledgeable.

From that day on, I decided to drop that phrase from my vocabulary. It’s been a game-changer in how others perceive my intelligence and expertise. Trust me, it’ll make a big difference for you too!

3) “Irregardless”

“Regardless” and “irregardless” might sound similar, but only one is accepted as standard English. The word “irregardless” is often used in place of “regardless”, but it’s actually a non-standard word that’s frowned upon by grammarians.

The term has been around for over a hundred years, and its usage has been widely debated. While some dictionaries do list it as a word, it’s marked as non-standard or informal.

Using “irregardless” can instantly make you sound less intelligent because it may lead others to believe that you lack a basic understanding of English grammar. So, stick with “regardless”. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to language use!

4) “I can’t”

Ever catch yourself saying, “I can’t” when faced with a challenging task or situation? This phrase isn’t doing you any favors.

Psychologists suggest that using the term “I can’t” not only undermines our self-confidence but also impacts how others perceive our capabilities. It suggests a defeatist attitude, implying that we’re not willing to try or push our boundaries.

Instead, try replacing “I can’t” with phrases like “I’ll give it my best shot” or “I’ll find a way”. This not only boosts your self-belief but also projects a more positive, can-do attitude to others. It makes you sound more intelligent and capable.

5) “Literally”

Here’s a word that’s seen a lot of misuse lately. “Literally” is meant to emphasize something that is 100% true and not exaggerated. However, it’s often used to express hyperbole, which is the exact opposite of its original meaning.

When you say, “I was literally dying of laughter”, unless you were actually on the brink of death due to laughter, you’re using the word incorrectly.

Misusing “literally” not only confuses your listener but can also make you appear less intelligent, as it shows a lack of understanding of basic English vocabulary. Aim to use words accurately to maintain your credibility.

6) “I hate…”

We all have things we dislike or even despise. But using the phrase “I hate…” too casually or frequently can paint a negative picture of us.

“I hate broccoli”, “I hate Mondays”, “I hate this song”… When we express our dislikes so strongly, it can make us seem intolerant or unapproachable.

Psychology suggests that the language we use shapes our reality and outlook. Constantly expressing hatred, even for trivial things, can also create a more negative mindset.

Instead, try using milder phrases like “I don’t particularly enjoy…” or “I prefer not to…”. Not only will you sound more intelligent, but you’ll also cultivate a more positive, open-minded attitude.

7) “It’s not fair!”

Life can be tough. Things don’t always go the way we want them to, and it’s tempting to cry out, “It’s not fair!” But this phrase can make us sound less intelligent and more immature.

When I didn’t get a promotion I was hoping for, my first reaction was to complain that it wasn’t fair. But then I realized this phrase wasn’t helping me. It made me appear less capable of handling adversity and understanding that sometimes, things just don’t go our way.

A more intelligent approach is to reflect on what happened, learn from it, and figure out how to improve. Replace “It’s not fair” with “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I improve?” It’s a small change in language with a big impact on perception.

8) “I’m so busy”

In our fast-paced world, it’s common to hear people say, “I’m so busy”. We often use it as a badge of honor, believing it makes us appear important or hard-working. However, this phrase can actually make us sound less intelligent.

Saying “I’m so busy” all the time can give the impression that we lack time management skills or the ability to prioritize effectively. It suggests that we’re overwhelmed and not in control of our schedule.

Instead of broadcasting how busy you are, try saying, “I have a full schedule” or “I’m working on several important projects”. These phrases convey that you’re engaged and productive, without implying that you’re on the verge of being overwhelmed.

9) “I guess”

The phrase “I guess” might seem harmless, but it can seriously undermine the strength of your statements. It implies uncertainty and a lack of confidence in your own thoughts and opinions.

Saying something like “I guess we could try that” or “I guess that’s a good idea” makes you sound less assertive and intelligent. It suggests you’re not fully backing your own suggestions or thoughts.

Vocalize your opinions with confidence. Instead of saying “I guess”, try phrases like “I believe”, “I suggest”, or simply state your opinion without the preface. Your ideas are valid, so present them confidently!

10) “Always” or “Never”

These absolute terms can be a trap. When we use “always” or “never” in our statements, we risk oversimplifying complex situations or behaviors.

Statements like “You’re always late” or “I never get good opportunities” not only sound immature but also show a lack of understanding of the nuances of life. The world isn’t black and white, and intelligent people recognize and express this complexity.

Being mindful of these absolutes and replacing them with more accurate descriptions can significantly enhance how others perceive our intelligence.

The power of language

It’s fascinating how our choice of words can significantly impact the impressions we make on others. In essence, language is a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how we use it.

The phrases we’ve discussed throughout this piece aren’t inherently bad. They’re simply words, neutral in and of themselves. However, when used inappropriately or excessively, they can unintentionally convey a lack of intelligence or credibility.

Remember, it’s not about striving for perfection or obsessing over every word that leaves your mouth. It’s about cultivating awareness of your language patterns and making conscious choices to communicate more effectively.

As the renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

By choosing our words wisely, we have the power to make those around us feel respected, valued, and intellectually stimulated. And that’s a reflection of true intelligence.