Ever thought about what makes someone a really good conversationalist? It’s not about volume or big words.

It’s really about speaking clearly, listening closely, and responding kindly. But sometimes, it’s easier to spot when someone isn’t feeling too sure of themselves.

This can be particularly true for women, who often face extra pressures around how they communicate.

In this article, we’ve compiled 10 phrases that might show a woman isn’t feeling too confident when she talks.

If you’re a woman and these phrases sound familiar, don’t sweat it! Understanding your habits is the first step towards getting better.

Let’s explore these phrases together. You might just learn something new!

1. “I’m sorry, but…”

Ever caught yourself starting a sentence with “I’m sorry, but…”? This one is a classic sign of not feeling confident.

We often use it when we’re worried about coming off too strong or direct. But guess what? It’s okay to express your opinions and thoughts.

Your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. So next time, skip the “I’m sorry” and get straight to your point.

You’ll be surprised at how much more confident you’ll sound. Remember, you have every right to express your ideas without apologizing first!

2. “Does that make sense?”

Another phrase that often slips into our conversation is “Does that make sense?”. While it’s great to check if the other person is following along, using this phrase too often can make you seem unsure of your own words.

It gives the impression that you doubt your ability to explain things clearly. Instead, try phrases like “Do you have any questions?” or “Is there anything you’d like me to go over again?”.

This way, you’re still keeping the lines of communication open without undermining your own confidence. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how people perceive your communication skills.

3. “This might be a stupid question, but…”

This phrase is one I personally struggled with for a long time. “This might be a stupid question, but…” is something many of us say when we’re feeling unsure or nervous about asking something.

I remember a time in my first job when I was sitting in a meeting and had a question. Instead of just asking, I prefaced it with this phrase. Looking back, I realize that it was my way of trying to protect myself from potential criticism or judgment.

But here’s the thing: there are no stupid questions. Every question is a chance to learn something new, and it takes courage to ask. So the next time you find yourself wanting to ask something, just go for it! You’ll not only get the answer you need but also boost your confidence along the way.

4. “I just…”

“I just wanted to check in…”, “I just thought that…”, “I just feel like…” – sound familiar? The word ‘just’ is often used as a filler word, and more often than not, it’s a sign of trying to downplay what we’re saying.

Here’s an interesting fact: according to a study, women use the word ‘just’ in their emails far more often than men do. It’s an unconscious habit many of us have picked up, thinking it makes us sound less aggressive or assertive.

But the truth is, ‘just’ can make your statements seem less important or well-thought-out than they actually are. So try to catch yourself when you use it and see if you can rephrase your sentence without it. You’ll find your words carry more weight this way!

5. “I’m no expert, but…”

“I’m no expert, but…” is a phrase that tugs at the heartstrings. It stems from a place of self-doubt, where you feel you need to downplay your knowledge or experience.

It’s heartbreaking because every single one of us has unique insights and wisdom to share, regardless of whether we consider ourselves “experts”. Your experiences and understanding matter – they add value to the conversation.

Remember that you don’t have to be an expert to contribute. Your perspective is valuable and can provide a fresh take on things. So instead of discounting your thoughts, express them with confidence. You never know whose life you might impact with your words!

6. “I think…”

“I think…” is a phrase I found myself using all the time. It’s used when we want to share our thoughts or ideas but are afraid they might not be well-received.

I recall a time during a brainstorming session at work when I had a great idea. But instead of stating it outright, I began with “I think we could…”. I was trying to soften my suggestion in case it wasn’t accepted.

But here’s what I’ve learned: It’s okay to have and share ideas. Using “I think” can make us sound unsure and hesitant. Instead, try stating your idea directly. For example, instead of saying “I think we should try this new approach”, say “Let’s try this new approach”.

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you’ll sound more confident and assertive.

7. “I’ll try…”

“I’ll try…” — arguably one of the most deceptive phrases we use. It sounds promising, but in reality, it’s often a safety net we cast out when we’re not sure we can commit fully.

The truth? It’s a cop-out. It’s our way of leaving an escape route open in case things don’t work out. And it’s not just about sounding less confident, but also about not fully committing to our actions.

Let’s be honest, life is messy and uncertain. We might not always succeed in everything we set out to do. And that’s okay! What matters is that we give our all, regardless of the outcome.

So instead of “I’ll try”, how about saying “I will”? It exudes confidence and commitment, showing that you’re willing to put in the effort, come what may.

8. “Actually…”

“Actually…” is another phrase that can unintentionally undermine your confidence. It’s often used when we’re correcting someone or expressing a differing opinion.

But did you know that the use of “actually” can sometimes come off as defensive or argumentative? According to language experts, this word can create unnecessary friction in a conversation.

While it’s important to correct misinformation or express your viewpoint, you can do so without the ‘actually’. Try saying, “I see where you’re coming from, but here’s another perspective,” or “I have a different viewpoint on this.”

This way, you’re not only communicating confidently but also fostering a more positive and open conversation.

9. “It’s just my opinion, but…”

Here’s a phrase that hits close to home for me: “It’s just my opinion, but…”. I used this one a lot when I was younger and less confident in my beliefs.

I would often preface my thoughts with this phrase, especially in group discussions or debates. It was as if I was apologizing for having an opinion or trying to make it seem less important.

But over time, I’ve learned that my opinions are valid and valuable. They’re not ‘just’ anything; they’re a reflection of my experiences, knowledge, and beliefs.

So if you find yourself using this phrase, remember that your opinions matter. Don’t downplay them; instead, own them. Say, “Here’s what I think…” or “My perspective is…”. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your communication.

10. “I guess…”

“I guess…” is a phrase that screams uncertainty. It’s like we’re giving our permission for others to disregard what we’re about to say, as if it’s not important or worthy enough.

Here’s the raw truth: When we use “I guess”, we’re not standing by our words. We’re not owning our thoughts or decisions. And that, dear reader, is not a reflection of who we truly are.

We all have a voice that deserves to be heard with respect and consideration. So, let’s stop guessing and start affirming. Let’s stand by our words, thoughts, and decisions. After all, they are a part of us, and they matter.