Did you know the words we use can affect how confident we seem? Our words matter a lot.

If you want to sound more confident, we’ve got some tips for you. Here are 10 phrases that might be making you seem less sure of yourself.

Stop using them and see how your confidence grows!

1. “I’m just…”

This phrase might seem harmless, but it’s actually doing you a disservice. When you start a sentence with “I’m just,” it sounds like you’re apologizing for what you’re about to say. It’s as if you’re lowering your value before others get the chance to make that judgment themselves.

For instance, saying “I’m just checking in” sounds less confident than “I wanted to check in.” By removing “I’m just” from your vocabulary, you instantly boost the strength of your statements.

It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

2. “I’m no expert, but…”

Using this phrase is a clear sign of self-doubt. You’re basically telling others that you don’t trust your own opinion or knowledge. When you start a sentence with “I’m no expert, but…” you’re automatically undermining your credibility.

It’s okay if you’re not an expert on a subject. However, if you have something valuable to contribute, don’t downplay it.

Instead of starting with a disclaimer about your expertise, just state your opinion or share your knowledge. Confidence comes from believing in the worth of your ideas, even if you’re still learning.

3. “This might be a stupid question…”

Ever had a moment where you wanted to ask a question but felt hesitant? I know I have. Once, during a meeting, I found myself saying, “This might be a stupid question, but can someone explain that again?”

Let’s get one thing straight – there’s no such thing as a stupid question! Questions are how we learn and grow. After that day, I stopped using that phrase and started asking my questions confidently.

And guess what? No one ever treated them as stupid.

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or more information. Confidence means not being scared of looking like you don’t know something. It’s about being brave enough to admit when you need more information and showing a desire to learn.

So, ditch this phrase and ask away!

4. “Sorry, but…”

Did you know that women tend to apologize more often than men?

This isn’t because men are less likely to recognize their mistakes but because they have a higher threshold for what they consider offensive behavior.

Now, onto our phrase – “Sorry, but…”. Unless you’ve done something wrong, there’s no need to apologize. This phrase is often used as a precursor to expressing an opinion or asking for something, which subtly implies that your request or opinion might be an inconvenience or annoyance.

When you need to express your thoughts or make requests, be assertive. You have every right to voice your thoughts and needs without apologizing for them. 

5. “I guess…”

“I guess…” is a phrase that’s often used when we’re unsure or when we want to avoid coming across as too assertive. It’s a safety net, a cushion to soften our statements and make them more palatable to others.

But here’s the thing, using “I guess…” can make you seem less confident. It gives the impression that you’re not fully committed to your own thoughts or decisions.

Instead of cushioning your statements, try to be more direct and clear when you speak. Replace “I guess…” with “I think…” or “I believe…”. Believe in yourself and what you have to say. It’s not about being aggressive or confrontational; it’s about asserting your ideas with conviction.

6. “I can’t…”

When I was younger, I found myself saying “I can’t…” a lot. Especially when it came to things I found challenging or intimidating. “I can’t do math,” “I can’t speak in front of a crowd,” “I can’t write a good essay.”

But the reality was, these were things I hadn’t mastered yet, not things I couldn’t do. Saying “I can’t…” was just a way for me to avoid trying and failing. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When I replaced “I can’t…” with “I’m learning how to…” or “I’m working on…”, my perspective shifted. It was no longer about what I couldn’t do, but about what I could achieve with effort and persistence.

This phrase can make it seem like you’re not capable enough. Instead of saying what you can’t do, talk about what you can do, or what you’re willing to learn. 

7. “Does that make sense?”

Let’s get real for a moment. We’ve all been there, right? You’re explaining something to someone and then, out of nowhere, this nagging doubt creeps in. You start to question if you’re making any sense at all. So, you end with, “Does that make sense?”

I get it. You want to make sure they understand. You want to make sure you’re clear and not just babbling nonsense. But here’s the hard truth – this phrase can suggest that you doubt your own clarity or credibility.

Instead of seeking validation for your explanations, try flipping it around. Ask, “Do you have any questions?” This way, you’re inviting them to engage without undermining your own confidence.

It’s okay to be unsure, but don’t let your uncertainty chip away at your confidence. 

8. “Maybe it’s just me…”

This phrase is a classic example of self-deprecation, and it’s one we often use when we’re unsure whether others will agree with our opinions or thoughts.

But  expressing your opinion, even if it’s unpopular, can actually make you seem more competent and confident to others.

By saying “Maybe it’s just me…”, you’re isolating yourself from others and diminishing your opinion. If you believe in something or see something a certain way, share it confidently without downplaying your perspective.

9. “I could be wrong…”

I remember a time when I used to start my sentences with this phrase, especially in situations where I wasn’t completely sure if my thoughts or ideas would be accepted. It was my way of protecting myself from potential criticism or disagreement.

“I could be wrong, but don’t you think we should try a different approach?” Sounds familiar, right?

But the problem with this phrase is that it immediately undermines your opinion before you’ve even fully expressed it. It’s like setting up a safety net for yourself, just in case someone disagrees with you.

It took me some time to realize that it’s okay to be wrong. What’s not okay is to belittle your ideas even before they have a chance to take flight.

10. “I’m trying to…”

“I’m trying to…” – a phrase that’s often used when we’re in the process of doing something, but it also conveys a sense of struggle and potential failure. I’ve used this phrase countless times. “I’m trying to finish this project,” “I’m trying to lose weight,” “I’m trying to be more positive.”

While it’s good to acknowledge effort, saying “trying” can sometimes make us feel like we’re not making progress, like we’re stuck in a constant state of trying without achieving.

So, let’s be brutally honest here – are you trying, or are you doing? Because there’s a difference. Trying implies effort but not accomplishment, while doing implies action and progress.

Instead of saying “I’m trying to write more,” say “I’m writing more.” Instead of “I’m trying to be more organized,” say “I’m becoming more organized.”

Switching from “trying” to “doing” not only changes the way you talk; it changes the way you think and act. It shifts your mindset from being stuck in effort to making progress.

Final thoughts

Remember, language is powerful. It shapes our reality and how others perceive us.

By switching these phrases in your vocabulary, you’re not just changing how you sound; you’re changing how you think. And that’s the first step towards becoming a more confident version of yourself.

So, give these tips a try – actually, scratch that – use these tips and see the difference for yourself!