8 words you should stop using if you want to sound more confident

Confidence can open many doors in life, from career opportunities to personal relationships. However, the way we communicate plays a significant role in how others perceive our self-assuredness.
Our choice of words can either enhance or undermine our confidence, regardless of the actual competence and expertise we possess.
There are certain words that, when used habitually, can create an impression of insecurity or lack of conviction. Identifying and eliminating these words from our vocabulary is a crucial step towards sounding more self-assured.
Here are 8 words you should consider removing from your daily discourse if you aim to project a more confident image.
1) Just
Confidence is often about asserting your thoughts and ideas without hesitation or unnecessary qualifiers. One of the words that can undermine this assertiveness is “just”.
When used excessively, “just” can subtly diminish the weight of your statements and make you sound less sure of yourself. For example, saying “I just think…” or “I’m just wondering…” can convey a sense of tentativeness or even apology for having an opinion or asking a question.
In reality, your thoughts and inquiries are valid and deserve to be heard without any qualifiers. You don’t need to minimize them with “just”. Instead, express them directly and assertively.
2) Maybe
The word “maybe” is another confidence underminer. It introduces uncertainty and indecisiveness into your statements, painting a picture of someone who is unsure of their stand or course of action.
I remember a time when I used “maybe” quite frequently, trying to give myself room to change my mind or avoid commitment. However, I’ve learned that it’s essential to speak decisively, even when discussing potential options or uncertainties.
For instance, instead of saying, “Maybe we could try this approach…,” a more confident assertion would be, “Let’s consider this approach…” or “I propose we try this…”.
Being decisive doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers. It’s about expressing your ideas clearly and confidently, leaving room for discussion and adaptation without defaulting to uncertainty.
3) Sorry
Apologizing when it’s appropriate is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. However, overusing the word “sorry” can often make you appear less confident, especially in professional settings.
If you find yourself starting sentences with “Sorry,” when there’s no need to apologize, it’s time to reassess. For instance, instead of saying, “Sorry, but I have a question,” you could say, “I have a question.” This small change can significantly impact how confident and assertive you appear.
Developing self-awareness around your language use is an important step in this process. To further explore this topic and have a deeper dive into the power of words and self-awareness, I recommend watching my video on why it’s essential to give up on the idea of constantly being a “good person”.
Here’s the link to the video:

If you found this video helpful and want to join over 20,000 others exploring a life filled with purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe.
4) Might
“Might” is another word that can subtly undermine your confidence. It implies uncertainty and a lack of commitment to your ideas or plans.
Using “might” frequently can inadvertently send a message that you’re not fully invested in what you’re saying, making you sound less assertive and confident.
For example, instead of saying, “I might work on this project,” say, “I will work on this project.” This simple shift in language reflects a stronger commitment and a higher level of confidence.
Don’t forget that our language doesn’t just communicate with others but also with ourselves. When we choose words that reflect confidence and assertiveness, we affirm our ability to take control of our lives and make positive changes.
5) Hopefully
“Hopefully” is a word that, when used excessively, can communicate a lack of confidence in your actions or the outcomes you’re working towards. It suggests that you’re leaving things up to fate or external circumstances rather than taking control.
For instance, instead of “Hopefully, I’ll finish this project on time,” consider “I’m committed to finishing this project on time.” The latter statement reflects a sense of personal responsibility and determination rather than relying on hope alone.
In one of my videos, I delve into the importance of moving beyond hope and towards taking decisive action in our lives. It may be a helpful resource as you work on this aspect of your communication. Here’s the link to the video:

Remember, our language is a reflection of our mindset. By consciously choosing words that convey confidence and determination, we can reinforce these qualities within ourselves and project them outwardly.
6) Always
While it may seem counterintuitive, using absolutes like “always” can actually undermine your confidence. This word implies a definitive, unchanging state, which can make your statements seem rigid or inflexible.
For example, saying “I always mess up this task” not only undervalues your ability to learn and grow but also sends a message of self-defeat. Instead, try saying something like “I’ve had some difficulties with this task in the past, but I’m working on improving.”
This shift in language acknowledges past challenges while also highlighting your capacity for growth and improvement.
7) Can’t
The word “can’t” is a self-limiting term that can significantly undermine your confidence. It suggests an absolute barrier, a boundary that cannot be crossed, which is rarely the case in reality.
Instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try saying “I’m currently struggling with this” or “I’m working on mastering this.”
These phrases acknowledge the difficulty while also recognizing the potential for improvement and growth. They encourage a more positive and proactive approach to challenges, fostering resilience and a belief in one’s ability to overcome obstacles.
8) I think
The phrase “I think” is often used as a cushion before stating our opinion or idea. While it may seem polite or modest, overusing it can make you seem less confident.
Instead of saying “I think we should try this approach,” say “Let’s try this approach.” This simple change makes your statement more direct and assertive, projecting more confidence. Replacing “I think” with more assertive language reflects our ability to tap into our creative potential and propose innovative solutions confidently.
Now, confidence isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about being willing to express your ideas, take risks, and learn from whatever results come your way. The language you choose plays a significant role in conveying this confidence to others.
Confidence through language
The eight words we’ve discussed in this article are commonly used in our daily conversations. However, they might be subtly undermining your confidence, making you appear less assertive and decisive than you truly are.
By replacing these words with more assertive language, you’ll not only project more confidence to others but also reinforce your self-belief. With every conversation, every statement, you have the opportunity to cultivate a more confident and assertive version of yourself.
To delve deeper into living with authenticity and self-assuredness, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. There, I share insights on personal growth, self-awareness, and living life with more freedom and purpose. Click here to subscribe.
And as you reflect on the words you use daily, ask yourself: What other words or phrases might be subtly undermining your confidence? How can you adapt your language to reflect the confident person you are becoming?