There’s an old saying: “It’s not just what you say, but how you say it.” And let’s face it, we all want to sound a little smarter when we speak.

But there are certain phrases that can instantly undermine your intelligence. They sneak in under the radar, making you sound less informed than you really are.

This isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about choosing your words carefully, and speaking in a way that reflects your true knowledge and capabilities.

In this article, I’m going to list 9 phrases you should remove from your vocabulary if you want to sound more intelligent. Buckle up!

1) “Like, um, you know…”

In the world of spoken language, filler words are our worst enemies. They’re the “likes”, the “ums”, and the “you knows” that we insert into our sentences when we’re thinking about what to say next.

While they might seem harmless, these little words can have a big impact on how others perceive us. They make us sound unsure and unprepared, and can easily detract from our points.

The thing is, we often use these words without even realizing it. They slip out in casual conversation, in presentations, even in job interviews.

This isn’t about policing every single word that comes out of your mouth. It’s about being aware of your speech habits, and making a conscious effort to speak more clearly and confidently.

So do yourself a favor: take “like”, “um”, and “you know” out of your verbal repertoire. Your intelligence will shine through much more clearly without them.

2) “To be honest…”

This one’s a personal pet peeve of mine. I used to start my sentences with “to be honest” all the time, thinking it made me sound more sincere.

The reality? It did the exact opposite.

Whenever I’d say “to be honest,” people would start to question if I was being dishonest the rest of the time. It’s a phrase that plants seeds of doubt and makes you sound less trustworthy.

I remember a time when I was presenting a proposal at work. I started off with “To be honest, this is the best solution for our project”. The response was not what I expected. A colleague asked – “Does that mean your previous proposals weren’t your best suggestions?”

That’s when it hit me. By using “to be honest,” I was unintentionally damaging my credibility.

So, take it from me: avoid starting your sentences with “to be honest”. You’ll sound more confident and intelligent without it.

3) “I think…”

This might surprise you, but starting a statement with “I think” can significantly diminish the impact of what you’re saying.

In the English language, hedging – or using words and phrases that lessen the force of a statement – can make you sound uncertain or lacking in confidence.

“I think” is one of the most common examples of hedging. By using it, you’re essentially saying that you’re not 100% sure about what you’re about to say next.

Studies have shown that people who avoid hedging, and instead speak with certainty and confidence, are perceived as more intelligent and competent.

So instead of saying “I think this is a good idea,” try saying “This is a good idea.” It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference.

4) “I’m no expert, but…”

We’ve all been there – you’re in a meeting or a discussion, and you feel the need to contribute, but you worry about sounding uninformed or under-qualified. So, you start your sentence with “I’m no expert, but…”

Here’s the thing: discrediting yourself before you’ve even said anything is never a good idea.

This phrase immediately diminishes your authority and makes people less likely to take your ideas seriously. It’s as if you’re giving them permission to disregard your opinion.

Instead, just say what you want to say. If you’re unsure about something, you can ask for clarification or do some research later. But don’t undermine yourself right out of the gate.

Remember: everyone has valuable insights to offer, regardless of their level of expertise.

5) “I guess…”

This phrase is a silent killer of credibility. “I guess” suggests an uncertainty and lack of conviction in what you’re about to say.

When we use the phrase “I guess,” we’re essentially telling our listener that we’re not completely sure about our own statement. This can make us come across as less intelligent and less confident.

Instead, try replacing “I guess” with a more assertive phrase like “I believe” or “I’m confident.” Or, even better, simply cut it out completely.

For example, instead of saying, “I guess we should try this approach,” say, “We should try this approach.”

Remember: clear, assertive communication is key to sounding more intelligent. And you definitely don’t need to guess about that!

6) “I can’t…”

This one is more than just about the words you use, it’s about the attitude behind them. Saying “I can’t” often reflects a mindset of self-doubt and limitation.

Whenever I hear someone say “I can’t,” my heart sinks a little. It’s as if they’re closing a door on a possibility before even giving it a chance.

Saying “I can’t” not only undermines your intelligence, but it also hinders your personal growth. It prevents you from taking on challenges and learning new things.

Instead, try saying “I’ll try” or “I’ll find a way”. These phrases reflect a positive, can-do attitude that speaks volumes about your intelligence and resilience.

7) “I should have…”

Regret is a powerful emotion, and it’s one that can easily creep into our language. The phrase “I should have” is a prime example.

This phrase not only expresses regret but also puts you in a passive position. It suggests that you’re dwelling on past mistakes, rather than focusing on future solutions.

Once, after a failed project, I found myself repeatedly saying, “I should have done this differently.” It was an easy trap to fall into, but it only made me feel worse.

By switching my language to focus on what I could do in the future, I was able to shift my mindset and find a way forward.

So instead of saying “I should have,” try saying “Next time, I will…” It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

8) “Maybe…”

“Maybe” is a word that can subtly undermine your intelligence. It’s non-committal and suggests uncertainty.

When you use “maybe,” it can give the impression that you’re not sure about what you’re saying. This can make others question your expertise or knowledge.

For instance, instead of saying “Maybe we could try this approach,” try saying “Let’s try this approach.” The second statement sounds more confident and assertive.

Of course, there are times when “maybe” is appropriate, especially when you’re brainstorming or suggesting something that you’re genuinely unsure about. But in most cases, it’s better to make a definitive statement.

9) “Always” and “Never”

These are two words that seem definitive and strong, but can actually work against you.

“Always” and “never” are absolute terms, and life is rarely absolute. Using these words can make your statements sound naive or overly simplistic, and that can undermine your perceived intelligence.

Instead, try using more nuanced language. For example, instead of saying “You always interrupt me,” you could say “I’ve noticed you’ve interrupted me several times.”

It’s a more accurate description of the situation, and it comes across as more thoughtful and intelligent.

Remember: nuanced thinking is a sign of intelligence. Make sure your language reflects that.