7 phrases average people tend to use in conversations (that you should avoid)

“We all have a knack for speaking, don’t we? It’s the cornerstone of our social interactions, our business meetings, and even the casual chit-chat with a barista. But, have you ever considered that some phrases you use could be holding you back?

Here’s a nugget to chew on.

Some everyday phrases, although seemingly harmless, can inadvertently create a less-than-ideal perception of us in others’ minds. They may make us appear average, unambitious, or even unappealing to converse with.

So, let’s dive in.

If you’ve been scratching your head wondering, “How can I make my conversations more engaging and impactful?” or “Why do some people seem uninterested when I speak?” It’s high time we look at your conversational habits.

I’ve compiled seven phrases that average people tend to use in conversations – the ones that might be subtly sabotaging your social standing. By avoiding these, not only can you elevate your conversations but also bolster your personal and professional relationships.

Remember, language has power. It shapes our interactions and influences how others perceive us. By refining our speech, we can ultimately engineer a stronger impact in our lives—and isn’t that something we all strive for?

Stay tuned for some enlightening insights.

1) “I’m just…”

Let’s start with a common offender.

How often do we begin our sentences with “I’m just…”? Think about it. “I’m just checking in,” or “I’m just wondering if…”. It seems harmless enough, right?

Well, not quite.

This phrase, while seemingly unassuming, can subtly undermine your authority and make your statements sound less significant than they actually are.

Here’s the kicker.

By using “I’m just…”, you’re inadvertently diminishing your own importance and the weight of your words. It can give the impression that you’re apologizing for your thoughts or actions, which is far from the image any of us want to project, especially in professional settings.

It’s about time we drop the “just” and stand firm in our communications. By doing so, we can convey confidence and ensure our words carry the impact they deserve.

After all, if we don’t value our own thoughts and ideas, why should anyone else?

2) “I guess…”

Here’s another phrase that we often slip into our conversations without giving it much thought.

“I guess…”. Sounds familiar?

Let me share a personal story with you.

A while back, during a team meeting, I was asked to share my opinion about a new project proposal. My response? “I guess it’s a good idea, but…”.

Guess what happened next?

The room fell silent. My comment, instead of fostering a discussion, seemed to suck the energy right out of the conversation. Later, a colleague pointed out that my use of “I guess” had made me sound uncertain and unconvincing, even though I had valid points to make.

That was an eye-opener.

“I guess…” is a phrase that can subtly undermine your credibility and make you appear indecisive. It can signal a lack of confidence in your own opinions and ideas.

Let’s strive to replace “I guess” with more assertive language like “I believe,” “I think,” or even better, state our thoughts outright without any preface.

This simple switch can help us sound more confident and convincing in our conversations. After all, isn’t effective communication all about being clear and assertive?

3) “It’s not my fault…”

We’ve all been there, haven’t we?

A mistake happens, and our instinctive response is to defend ourselves. “It’s not my fault…”, we blurt out, as if this phrase were our protective shield against blame.

But let’s pause for a moment and reflect.

While it’s natural to want to protect our image, using this phrase can come across as deflecting responsibility and avoiding accountability. It signals an unwillingness to take ownership of our actions and can quickly erode the trust others have in us.

Take it from me; I’ve learned this the hard way.

There was a time when I would use this phrase quite often, until I realized that it was doing more harm than good. Instead of fostering understanding or empathy, it was cultivating an image of immaturity and unreliability.

The truth is, no one is flawless. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. What matters is how we handle them.

Replacing “It’s not my fault” with phrases like “I made a mistake” or “I’ll fix this” can make a world of difference in how we are perceived.

It shows that we are mature enough to own up to our faults and proactive enough to rectify them. And isn’t that what true growth is all about?

4) “I can’t…”

This one is a biggie.

“I can’t…”. A phrase we have all been guilty of using, more often than we might want to admit.

The issue with “I can’t” is that it instantly puts a limit on our capabilities. It labels us as someone who is unable or unwilling to take on challenges, which can be particularly detrimental in a professional setting.

But here’s the silver lining.

By replacing “I can’t” with “I will try”, we shift from a mindset of defeat to one of determination. This simple change in language can profoundly impact how we approach tasks and how others perceive our attitude and work ethic.

Remember, our words shape our reality. So let’s choose them wisely, transforming them into a tool for growth and resilience. After all, isn’t that the essence of thriving in an ever-evolving world?

5) “Whatever…”

“Whatever…” A single word that has the power to derail a conversation.

This phrase is often used to express indifference or resignation, but did you know it was voted the most annoying word in American conversation for over a decade? Quite the title, isn’t it?

The reason behind this is simple.

“Whatever” can come across as dismissive and disrespectful, shutting down dialogue and leaving a sour taste in the other person’s mouth. It sends a message that we don’t value the other person’s opinion or aren’t interested in engaging further.

By being mindful of this and avoiding the use of “whatever” in our conversations, we can foster better understanding and respect.

Opting for phrases like “Let’s agree to disagree” or “I see your point” keeps the conversation open and respectful. And that, my friends, is how we build stronger and more meaningful connections.

6) “You’re wrong…”

Now, this is a tough one.

In our conversations, especially when we are deeply passionate about a topic, it’s easy to slip into the habit of saying “You’re wrong…”. It seems like a straightforward way to express disagreement, right?

Perhaps. But it’s not always the kindest route.

When we tell someone they’re wrong, we risk shutting them down and making them defensive. It can strain our relationships and hinder open communication.

So, what can we do differently?

Try replacing “You’re wrong” with “I see things differently” or “Here’s another perspective…”. This encourages dialogue rather than disagreement, and shows that we respect the other person’s viewpoint even if we don’t agree with it.

Remember, our conversations are not just about getting our point across, but also about understanding and respecting others’ viewpoints. And isn’t that the heart of true friendship and empathy?

7) “It’s impossible…”

Here’s the final, and perhaps the most crucial one.

“It’s impossible…”. A phrase that not only limits our potential but also dampens the spirit of innovation and progress.

In reality, nothing is truly impossible until all avenues have been explored and exhausted. So, instead of labeling something as impossible, why not adopt a more open-minded approach?

By replacing “It’s impossible” with “Let’s explore how we can make this happen”, we shift our mindset from one of defeat to one of possibility and optimism.

This not only enhances our problem-solving abilities but also inspires those around us to push boundaries and think outside the box. This is the key to making real progress and achieving extraordinary things.

Wrapping up

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these phrases, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

We’ve all fallen into the trap of using these seemingly harmless expressions. But now that you’re aware, you’re already halfway to making a change.

The journey to improved communication doesn’t happen overnight. It involves conscious effort, self-awareness, and a willingness to change old habits. Start by noticing when these phrases creep into your conversations. Then, challenge yourself to swap them out with more empowering language.

Reflect on this: Are your words truly reflecting your thoughts and potential?

Albert Einstein once said, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” So let’s elevate our thinking—and our language—beyond the average.

Each small step you take towards effective communication not only enhances your relationships but also boosts your personal growth. And that, dear reader, is the beauty of this journey.

So here’s to empowering conversations and beyond-average communication. Here’s to a better version of you.