Words hold more power than we think, especially when it comes to how others perceive our intelligence.

Unfortunately, some phrases we use casually can unintentionally make us seem less sharp.

If you want to sound smarter, it’s time to ditch a few of these.

Here’s a quick guide to nine phrases that may be holding you back from projecting your best self.

Ready to elevate your conversations? Let’s dive in.

1) “I’m not a rocket scientist, but…”

Ever heard of a thing called self-deprecation?

It’s when we put ourselves down or belittle our own abilities in an attempt to appear humble or funny.

But here’s the rub: overdoing it can make you appear less intelligent than you truly are.

A phrase like “I’m not a rocket scientist, but…” falls right into this trap.

It might seem harmless, or even modest, but let me tell you, it’s not doing you any favors.

By leading with this phrase, you’re essentially apologizing for your thoughts before you’ve even shared them.

When we use phrases like this, we’re undermining our own credibility.

Instead of prefacing your ideas with self-doubt, have confidence in your insights and present them straightforwardly.

2) “Just my luck”

Ah, the classic phrase “just my luck.”

I remember using this phrase quite a bit in my younger years, especially during those moments when things didn’t go as planned.

It was my go-to response to life’s little disappointments.

But over time, I realized that dropping this phrase so casually made me seem less proactive and intelligent.

It gave off the impression that I was someone who felt victimized by circumstance, rather than someone who believed in taking responsibility for his own actions.

For instance, once when I was late for an important meeting due to traffic, I walked in and said, “Just my luck, the traffic was horrible.”

It seemed innocent enough at the time, but looking back, I now realize it made me appear as if I had no control over my own time management.

Instead of blaming external factors and leaving things to “luck”, it’s more intelligent to take ownership.

A better approach would have been: “My apologies for being late; I didn’t anticipate the heavy traffic.”

Phrases like “just my luck” subtly undermine our agency and intelligence.

3) “Literally”

The term “literally” has witnessed quite the transformation in recent years.

It was once used to stress that something was not metaphorical or exaggerated but was exactly as described.

However, in today’s colloquial language, “literally” is often used for emphasis or dramatic effect.

For example, you might hear someone say, “I’m literally starving,” when they’re just very hungry, not on the brink of starvation.

While it may seem like a harmless exaggeration, overuse or misuse of “literally” can make you appear less intelligent.

It’s a reminder that language is ever-evolving, and the words we use can greatly impact how others perceive our intelligence.

4) “To be honest…”

“To be honest…” is a phrase we often use without giving it much thought.

It seems like a harmless way to preface an opinion, but consider what it implies.

It suggests that you might not always be honest, and only now, in this instance, are you choosing to speak truthfully.

In communication, trust is key.

You want people to believe that you’re genuine and straightforward at all times.

So when you use phrases like “to be honest,” it can raise red flags about your sincerity and, by extension, your intelligence.

Instead of using this phrase, just state your opinion or idea directly—it comes across as more confident and authentic, leaving a more positive impression of your intelligence!

5) “I guess”

The phrase “I guess” is another one of those subtle communication traps we can fall into.

It often slips out when we’re unsure or hesitant about our own thoughts and ideas.

To some, it might seem like a harmless expression of uncertainty, but in reality, it can seriously undermine your credibility.

By starting or ending your statements with “I guess,” you’re essentially telling your audience that you lack confidence in your own opinions.

It weakens your argument and diminishes the impact of your words.

If you want to appear intelligent, it’s important to project confidence in your ideas.

6) “I’m just saying”

“I’m just saying” is a phrase that often pops up in our conversations, more often than we might realize.

It’s usually a way of softening a statement or opinion that could potentially upset someone.

But here’s the thing, it can also make us come across as passive-aggressive or dismissive.

When we say “I’m just saying,” what we’re really doing is distancing ourselves from our own thoughts and feelings.

It’s like we’re apologizing for having an opinion or trying to avoid taking responsibility for our words.

And let’s face it, no one ever won a debate or left a deep impression by being non-committal.

Intelligence isn’t just about what we know, it’s also about how we express our ideas and stand behind them.

7) “I can’t”

This phrase was a big part of my vocabulary for a long time.

Anytime I was faced with a challenge or an unfamiliar task, my default response was, “I can’t.”

It was my way of protecting myself from potential failure or embarrassment.

But over time, I realized that saying “I can’t” was more than just a self-defeating habit.

It was a self-fulfilling prophecy; by convincing myself that I couldn’t do something, I was setting myself up for failure before even trying.

The phrase “I can’t” doesn’t just reflect a lack of confidence—it also gives off the impression of a closed mind and unwillingness to learn, which is not the hallmark of an intelligent mind.

8) “This may be a stupid question…”

This phrase is often used as a disclaimer before asking a question, in an attempt to shield ourselves from potential judgement.

However, it can inadvertently paint us in a less intelligent light.

Labeling your own question as “stupid” before you’ve even asked it undermines your credibility and can make others question your confidence in your own thoughts and ideas.

There are no stupid questions.

Asking questions is a sign of curiosity and a desire to learn, which are both indicators of intelligence.

9) “Whatever”

“Whatever” is a phrase we often use to express indifference or dismiss an argument.

While it may seem like a quick and easy way to end a disagreement, it can give off the impression that you’re disinterested or unengaged.

This single word can strip away the respect and value of the conversation, making you appear less intelligent.

Intelligence is not just about knowledge; it’s also about showing respect and engaging in meaningful conversations.

Words matter

Language wields significant power, influencing both our relationships with others and our self-perception.

When you say “I can’t” instead of “I’ll try,” or dismiss a question as “stupid,” you’re not just affecting how others see you; you’re also shaping your self-confidence.

The nine phrases we discussed aren’t bad in themselves, but being aware of their impact can enhance your communication.

So, before saying “I guess” or “just my luck,” take a moment to reflect on your true intent.

The most intelligent conversations are honest, respectful, and authentic to who you are!