You might not realize that some phrases reveal self-doubt and a lack of confidence. But know that insecurity can show up in various ways, including our speech. A great way to boost your self-assurance is to speak and act confidently, so let’s explore some common phrases that could be signaling your insecurities.
“I’m Sorry” (When It’s Unnecessary)
We’ve all been in situations where we feel the need to apologize even if things are out of our control. But saying sorry too often, especially when it’s unnecessary, can make you seem less confident and sure of yourself. Try to determine when an apology is actually needed rather than immediately saying sorry the moment you feel guilt or shame.
“Does That Make Sense?”
You should avoid ending all your statements with “does that make sense?”, as this can make you seem unsure about your clarity. While it’s important to ensure understanding, overusing this phrase can indicate insecurity. Trust that you’ve communicated clearly to appear more confident.
“I Guess”
Using phrases like “I guess” can make your statements sound tentative and uncertain. This often indicates a lack of confidence in your opinions or decisions, so it’s best to try replacing it with more definitive language to appear more confident and self-assured.
“I’m Not Sure”
We all know that saying “I’m not sure” too often can make you seem indecisive or lacking confidence. It’s normal to feel uncertain at times, but as noted by Verywell Mind, constantly doubting yourself, your abilities, or decisions can be a sign of low self-esteem. If you can learn to express yourself more assertively, you’re bound to build confidence over time.
“I Don’t Know”
It’s okay to admit it when you genuinely don’t know something, but using this phrase too often can make it seem like you’re not very sure of yourself. Even if you don’t have all the answers and aren’t super sure about something, you can offer your best guess or suggest a way to find out.
“What Do You Think?”
Always asking “What do you think?” can indicate insecurity, especially when you’re reluctant to give your own opinion on anything. While it’s good to value others’ opinions, relying too much on external validation can really damage your self-worth over time. Try to trust your own judgment and speak your mind confidently to improve your self-esteem.
“I Just”
People often use “just” in their sentences to minimize the importance of what they’re saying. Statements like “I just wanted to check” or “I just think” can undermine your message. Removing “just” can make your communication stronger and more assertive, conveying confidence.
“Do You Think?”
When you constantly ask “Do you think?” before sharing your opinion, it makes you look like you’re doubting your own thoughts or opinions. While it’s fine to want the input of others, overusing this phrase can betray a lack of confidence. On the other hand, sharing your opinion directly can make you seem more confident and self-assured.
“Maybe”
While “maybe” is a pretty common word in most people’s vocabularies, using it too often can make you seem indecisive and unsure of yourself. If you often say “maybe” when asked for your opinion or plans, you’ll make yourself seem more uncertain and unconfident. Try being clearer and more decisive in your responses to convey a greater sense of self-confidence.
“I Think”
When you always start your statements with “I think,” it can make them sound much less assertive. It’s fine in moderation, but overdoing it can make you sound less certain and sure of yourself. Phrasing your opinions more directly can make you appear more confident and strengthen your communication.
“I Hope”
Saying “I hope” a lot can make you sound unsure or like you’re not in control, and phrases like “I hope this works” or “I hope you like it” can come off as insecure. Instead, try something more confident like “I’m sure this will work.”
“If You Want”
It’s tempting to tack on “if you want” to your suggestions sometimes, but it can actually make you seem pretty insecure, implying that you don’t have confidence in your own ideas. We recommend skipping the qualifier and making your suggestions with more conviction.
“It’s Probably Nothing”
Saying “it’s probably nothing” downplays your concerns and can make you seem insecure. This phrase suggests you’re not confident in your own feelings or observations. Trust your instincts and express your concerns more confidently.
“Whatever You Think”
When you use “whatever you think” to defer decisions, it can make you seem passive. While flexibility is good, overusing this phrase can suggest a lack of confidence in your own preferences. Be more decisive to project confidence and show leadership.
“I’m Just Saying”
Adding “I’m just saying” to your statements can weaken them. This phrase often acts as a disclaimer that undermines your message. Stating your thoughts directly without this qualifier can make you seem more confident and assertive.
“I Could Be Wrong”
Sure, it’s always possible that you’re wrong about something, but that doesn’t mean you have to undermine yourself or your opinions by saying so. While it’s good to acknowledge you might be wrong, using this phrase too much can make you seem unsure and unconfident. Stating your thoughts confidently helps build a stronger image and improves your credibility.
“I Don’t Mean to Be Rude, But”
Starting with “I don’t mean to be rude, but” can make you seem insecure about being assertive. This phrase can make your statements sound less confident and more tentative. Be direct and respectful without this qualifier to project confidence.
“Sorry to Bother You”
Apologizing with “sorry to bother you” when reaching out or asking for help can indicate insecurity. While it’s polite to be considerate, overusing this phrase can make you seem hesitant. Be confident in your right to communicate to appear more self-assured.