Words carry immense power.
The way we speak not only influences how others perceive us but can also shape the way we see ourselves.
I’ve noticed that certain phrases, sprinkled innocently in conversation, can unintentionally convey doubt or uncertainty. Over time, this chips away at our self-image—often without us realizing it.
I used to dismiss these so-called “filler” phrases as harmless.
Then, in my work as a researcher exploring mindset and behavior, I came across multiple studies suggesting that our self-talk and casual expressions can deeply impact confidence levels.
It made me rethink those small disclaimers and apologetic words I used so casually.
Once I started cutting them out, I felt a remarkable shift in how I presented myself—and how others responded to me.
Below are six phrases to eliminate if you’re aiming to project a stronger, more self-assured presence.
1. “I think…”
I used to pepper my sentences with “I think” more often than I realized.
It seems like a mild phrase, but it can weaken what would otherwise be a clear statement.
Imagine saying, “I think this report is accurate,” versus “This report is accurate.”
The first version presents your viewpoint as tentative, even if you’re actually certain of what you’re saying.
I’m not suggesting you should ever pretend to have knowledge you don’t.
But if you’re confident in your stance, removing the phrase “I think” instantly lends more authority to your words.
Try reworking phrases.
Instead of “I think this strategy might work,” say, “This strategy should work well.” Little adjustments like that demonstrate assurance.
If you are genuinely uncertain, a better approach is to express your reservations openly: “We might need more data, but my experience suggests this strategy should work well.” This allows room for nuance without sacrificing your core confidence.
2. “I’m sorry, but…”
One of my biggest challenges was removing reflexive apologies from my vocabulary.
“I’m sorry, but…” often slips out when we want to disagree politely or introduce a conflicting opinion.
The problem is, over-apologizing can reduce the impact of what comes next. It sends the message that you believe you’re imposing on someone or that your thoughts aren’t as valuable.
At times, an apology is necessary—like when you’re genuinely at fault or you’ve made a mistake.
But if you’re merely voicing an opinion, it’s more empowering to say something like, “I’d like to add a different perspective,” or “I have a suggestion.”
That way, you’re inviting someone into a conversation rather than feeling like you’re intruding on their space.
From a confidence standpoint, cutting down on unnecessary apologies shows respect for your own voice.
People will generally receive your ideas with the seriousness you project.
3. “Does that make sense?”
This phrase can seem benign, because you might be genuinely trying to ensure you’re communicating clearly.
However, leading with “Does that make sense?” can imply that you doubt your own ability to explain something.
If you want to confirm clarity, you can reframe it by saying, “Let me know if you have any questions,” or “I’m open to hearing your thoughts on this.”
When I started making that switch, I noticed that my interactions felt more equal.
Instead of positioning myself as the uncertain party waiting for validation, I opened the door for collaboration.
Subtle changes in how we phrase questions can greatly affect our perceived self-assurance.
It not only projects more confidence but also respects the other person’s ability to provide input without implying you’re unsure of your own explanation.
4. “I’m not sure if this will work, but…”
We’ve all been in meetings or brainstorming sessions where someone prefaces an idea with, “I’m not sure if this will work, but…”
While it’s honest to acknowledge possible flaws, this phrase sets you up for immediate doubt.
You’re practically telling everyone to dismiss your idea before you’ve even presented it.
A more confident approach is to share the idea and then add potential concerns as part of a proactive strategy.
For example: “I have an idea—here’s how it might succeed. Let’s also look at potential challenges and how we might address them.”
This shows you’re thinking critically and are ready to handle possible pitfalls, rather than undercutting your own thought process from the outset.
This kind of reframing can be especially useful in professional settings, but it also applies to personal situations.
Whether you’re planning a trip with friends or organizing a family event, presenting your suggestions with conviction encourages others to engage with enthusiasm rather than skepticism.
5. “I just wanted to…”
If you scroll through your sent emails, you might be surprised at how often “I just wanted to…” appears.
It’s almost like a knee-jerk expression used to soften a request or statement. Phrases like, “I just wanted to follow up” or “I just wanted to check in” seem polite, but they can come across as if you’re downplaying your actual purpose.
To sound more self-assured, remove the word “just.”
Instead of “I just wanted to see how you’re doing with the project,” opt for something like, “How’s the project going?” or “I’m checking in on the progress.”
By doing so, you present yourself as direct and clear. You’re no longer shyly hinting at your request or inquiry—you’re stating it straightforwardly.
As a business owner, I learned that trimming excess words can make a big difference.
People are more likely to respond promptly and respectfully when they see you communicating with clarity rather than hedging.
While politeness is essential, confidence and brevity can be equally important traits in professional and personal communications.
6. “I’ll try…”
On the surface, there’s nothing wrong with “I’ll try…” It suggests that you’re willing to make an effort.
The issue is, it also leaves a lot of room for half-hearted attempts.
It can sound noncommittal—like you haven’t decided if you’ll truly follow through or not.
Imagine how different it feels when someone tells you, “I will finish the project by Friday,” instead of, “I’ll try to finish it by Friday.”
If you’re genuinely prepared to make something happen, saying “I will” communicates determination.
Of course, if you’re genuinely unsure whether something is feasible, it’s better to be honest about the factors affecting it.
But even in those cases, you can phrase it in a more assured way: “I’ll do what’s needed to make it happen, and if I run into any obstacles, I’ll let you know.”
That approach conveys action and resourcefulness, showing that you’re actively looking for solutions rather than passively attempting to reach a goal.
Wrapping up
Whenever we hold conversations—whether face-to-face or online—our language reveals a lot about our mindset.
Eliminating or rephrasing these six phrases can lead to a powerful shift in how you carry yourself.
You’re signaling to both others and your own subconscious that your opinions, ideas, and contributions matter.
Confidence isn’t about pretending to know everything or refusing to admit mistakes.
It’s about owning the worth of your perspective and presenting it with clarity.
With these simple language tweaks, you can project the self-assurance that often opens doors to better opportunities and deeper connections.
Embracing this approach can encourage others to take your words more seriously, all while reinforcing your own sense of capability in the process.
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