Have you ever noticed how some people wow the crowd when they talk, while others just don’t? It’s not only about what they say, but how they say it.

And guess what? Some phrases might even make you seem less bright than you really are.

Science backs this up. The words we choose can shape how others see us. Want to sound clever and leave a lasting impression? Watch your words!

Now, let’s break it down. Here are 10 phrases that can make you sound less intelligent:

1. “Like, um…”

We all use filler words when we talk. It’s normal. But if you find yourself saying “like” or “um” every other word, it can make you seem unsure or nervous. It might even sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about.

So, what should you do instead? Take a moment. Breathe. Think about what you want to say. Then, say it clearly and confidently. People will respect you more for it!

2. “I’m not a genius, but…”

We’ve all been there – you have an idea, but you’re not entirely confident in it. So, you start your sentence with “I’m not a genius, but…”. The problem is, this makes it look like you don’t believe in your own idea.

Instead of undermining yourself, try saying something like “Here’s an idea…” or “What if we tried…”. This way, you’re putting your idea out there without diminishing it before it even has a chance to be heard. And who knows? Your idea might just be genius!

3. “I literally died…”

We all love to add a bit of drama to our stories, don’t we? I remember once when I was telling my friends about a rollercoaster ride I’d been on. I said, “I literally died when we hit that loop-the-loop.” Of course, I hadn’t actually died, but I was trying to make the story more exciting.

But here’s the thing – using these dramatic words too often can make people think you’re trying too hard to impress. It can even seem like you’re not being truthful. So, I’ve learned to tone down the drama and just tell it like it is. You’d be surprised at how much more engaging your stories can be when you keep it real!

4. “Honestly, truthfully…”

“Honestly”, “truthfully”, “frankly” – we often use these words when we want to emphasize our sincerity. But did you know that overusing these words can actually make people trust you less?

According to psychology, people who frequently use these words are often perceived as being less truthful. The reason? When you say “honestly” or “truthfully” too much, people might start wondering if everything else you say is less than honest.

So instead of relying on these words to convince people of your sincerity, let your actions speak louder than your words. Be consistent and genuine in your words and deeds, and people are more likely to trust you.

5. “Just…”

It’s easy to underestimate the power of the word “just”. It’s so small and unassuming. Yet when used in sentences like “I’m just a student” or “It’s just an idea”, it can make you or your ideas seem smaller and less important.

This is especially true for those of us who are trying to make our mark in the world. We might feel like we’re “just” starting out, or we’re “just” one person among many. But, remember, every expert was once a beginner, and every big change starts with one person taking a stand.

So let’s stop undermining ourselves. You’re not “just” anything. You’re unique, valuable, and capable of making a difference. 

6. “I hate to say this, but…”

I’ll admit, there have been times when I’ve started a sentence with “I hate to say this, but…”. It usually happens when I’m about to say something that I think might upset someone or ruffle some feathers.

But what I’ve realized is, starting a sentence this way makes it sound like I don’t believe in what I’m about to say. It’s as if I’m apologizing for having an opinion or an idea that might be different.

What I try to do now is to express my thoughts in a direct yet respectful manner. Instead of saying “I hate to say this, but…”, I might say, “I understand where you’re coming from, and I have a different perspective.” This way, I’m acknowledging the other person’s viewpoint while still standing by my own.

7. “No offense, but…”

Let’s be real: when someone says “No offense, but…”, they’re usually about to say something offensive. It’s a phrase that’s often used to soften the blow of a harsh comment or criticism.

But here’s the hard truth – if you have to preface your statement with “No offense, but…”, maybe you should reconsider what you’re about to say.

Instead of using this phrase as a buffer, try being open and honest in a respectful way. If you have a critique or a differing opinion, share it in a constructive manner. Remember, it’s not what you say, but how you say it that matters. You can be truthful without being hurtful.

8. “I could be wrong, but…”

Ever started a sentence with “I could be wrong, but…”? It’s a phrase often used when we’re not entirely confident in what we’re about to say.

But did you know that this phrase can actually make people less likely to believe in your statement? According to a study, statements that are prefaced with phrases like “I could be wrong” are perceived as less credible.

So, what should you do instead? If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say so. But saying “I could be wrong” before stating your opinion can undermine it from the start. Try rephrasing your thought in a way that acknowledges the possibility of different perspectives without devaluing your own. You might say, “Here’s another perspective to consider…” or “Another way to look at it might be…”.

This way, you’re inviting discussion without undermining your own viewpoint.

9. “It’s kind of…”

When I was younger, I had a habit of using vague language. I’d often say things like “It’s kind of hot today” or “I’m kind of tired”. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this habit made me sound unsure and indecisive.

As I’ve grown and gained more confidence in myself, I’ve learned to express my thoughts and feelings more clearly and directly. Instead of saying “It’s kind of hot”, I’ll say “It’s hot”. Instead of saying “I’m kind of tired”, I’ll say “I’m tired”.

Being direct in your language not only helps you communicate more effectively, but it also shows that you’re confident in your thoughts and feelings. So, don’t be afraid to say what you mean!

10. “You know what I mean?”

“You know what I mean?” – We often use this phrase when we’re unsure if we’ve made ourselves clear. But let’s face it, if you’re using it after every other sentence, it can sound like you’re not confident in your ability to articulate your thoughts.

Here’s the honest truth: Communication isn’t just about getting your point across; it’s about making sure others understand you. If you find yourself constantly asking “You know what I mean?”, it might be a sign that you need to work on expressing yourself more clearly.

So next time, instead of relying on others to figure out what you mean, take a moment to organize your thoughts, choose your words carefully, and speak with confidence. Trust me, it can make all the difference!