Perhaps unsurprisingly, the way you speak says a lot about your confidence levels.
Some of the things you say can make you sound uncertain, apologetic, or like you’re second-guessing yourself, even when you know exactly what you’re talking about. The problem is that you might not even realise you’re guilty of this bad habit. If you want to come across as more self-assured, it’s time to cut from your vocabulary for good and replace them with statements that send the message that you back yourself 100%.
1. “I could be wrong, but…”
Starting a statement this way instantly weakens whatever you’re about to say. It tells people you don’t fully believe in your own words, even if you actually do, making them less likely to take you seriously. Instead of setting yourself up to be doubted, just state your point with confidence.
Try saying, “From what I understand…” or “The way I see it…” instead. This way, you still leave room for discussion without undermining yourself right from the start. Confidence isn’t about always being right; it’s about being willing to own what you say.
2. “Does that make sense?”
It’s natural to want to make sure you’re being understood, but this one can make you sound unsure of yourself. It gives the impression that you don’t trust your own ability to communicate clearly, even if you’ve explained something perfectly well. Over time, this habit can make you seem less confident in your own knowledge.
Instead, try, “Let me know if you’d like more details” or “What are your thoughts on that?” This invites conversation without making it sound like you’re second-guessing yourself. Small shifts in language like this help you sound more self-assured without changing what you’re actually saying.
3. “Just checking in…”
This makes it sound like you’re hesitant or apologetic about following up. Whether it’s an email, a work request, or a message to a friend, adding “just” weakens the impact and makes you seem less confident in what you’re asking. It almost feels like you’re trying to downplay the importance of your request, even when it’s completely reasonable.
Try saying, “Following up on…” or “I wanted to check in about…” instead. It keeps the message professional and to the point, without making it seem like you’re tiptoeing around the request. The more direct you are, the more seriously people will take you.
4. “I think we should…”
When making a suggestion, adding “I think” can make it sound like you’re unsure. While it’s fine to use in casual conversation, in professional or decision-making situations, it can make your idea seem weaker than it actually is. If you know your suggestion has value, you don’t need to soften it.
Instead, say, “We should…” or “I recommend…” This way, you sound more assertive while still being open to discussion. Clarity in speech leads to clarity in leadership, and confidence in your ideas encourages other people to trust your judgement.
5. “Sorry to bother you, but…”
Unless you’re genuinely apologising for interrupting something important, there’s no need to start a request with an apology. This makes it seem like you believe you’re being annoying before you’ve even said what you need, which instantly puts you on the back foot. People who value their time and input don’t preemptively apologise for speaking up.
Try saying, “I wanted to check in about…” or “When you have a moment, I’d love to discuss…” This keeps it polite without making it sound like you’re an inconvenience. Respecting other people’s time is important, but so is respecting your own.
6. “I’m not an expert, but…”
Even if you’re not an expert, you don’t have to downplay what you do know. This phrase makes it easy for other people to dismiss your opinion before they even hear it, which can make you seem less credible even when you’re sharing valuable insight. If you know something is worth mentioning, you don’t need to frame it as uncertain.
Instead, say, “From my experience…” or “Based on what I’ve learned…” This keeps your input valuable without making it sound like you’re unsure of yourself. People are more likely to take you seriously when you present your knowledge with confidence.
7. “I’ll try to…”
Saying you’ll “try” to do something makes it sound like you’re not confident in your ability to follow through. While things don’t always go as planned, starting with uncertainty doesn’t inspire much trust in your reliability. When people hear “try,” they often assume you’re already expecting to fail.
Instead, say, “I will…” or “I’ll have it done by…” This makes you sound more reliable and capable. It’s a small shift, but it changes the way people perceive your commitment to what you’re doing.
8. “Does that sound okay?”
This phrase makes it seem like you’re seeking approval rather than making a clear statement. It puts the power in the other person’s hands, even when it’s not necessary, making you seem less confident in your decisions. While it’s good to be open to input, you don’t need to frame everything as a question.
Try saying, “Let me know if you have any concerns” or “Let’s move forward with this.” This way, you’re still inviting input, but in a way that sounds more confident. Assertive communication builds trust, while hesitant language creates uncertainty.
9. “Maybe we should…”
Using “maybe” when making a suggestion makes it sound like you’re unsure. If you believe an idea is worth mentioning, say it with confidence rather than making it sound optional or uncertain. People respond better to suggestions that are stated with clarity.
Instead, try, “A good approach could be…” or “One option is…” This allows room for discussion while making it clear that your idea is worth considering. A strong statement carries far more weight than a weak one.
10. “Hopefully, this works.”
Saying “hopefully” makes it sound like you’re leaving things up to chance rather than taking control of the situation. While some things are uncertain, phrasing it this way makes it seem like you don’t fully trust your own plan. If you’re not confident in what you’re saying, why should anyone else be?
Try saying, “This should work, but if not, we’ll adjust” or “Let’s test this and refine as needed.” This way, you’re showing that you’re prepared for different outcomes without sounding unsure. Confidence doesn’t require knowing everything; it’s about knowing you can handle whatever comes next.
11. “I guess so.”
Responding with “I guess” makes it sound like you don’t fully agree or aren’t confident in your stance. It can weaken your position in a conversation or make it seem like you’re unsure about what you really think. Even when you do agree, this phrase can make it sound like you’re hesitant or uninterested.
Instead, say, “That makes sense” or “I can see your point.” It keeps the conversation flowing while making you sound more assured in your opinions. Confidence doesn’t mean you always have to be certain, but it does mean standing behind what you say with clarity.
12. “I’m sorry, but…”
Over-apologising can make you seem less confident, especially when you’re not actually in the wrong. Leading with an apology when it’s not necessary weakens whatever follows and can make you sound unsure of yourself. Unless you’ve actually done something wrong, there’s no reason to start your sentence by putting yourself on the back foot.
Instead, just get straight to the point. Instead of “I’m sorry, but I can’t make it,” say, “I won’t be able to make it.” It’s direct, polite, and confident without adding unnecessary guilt to your words.
13. “I just wanted to…”
Adding “just” to your sentences makes your words seem less important, as if you’re minimising your own presence. It’s often a habit people pick up without realising it, but it subtly reduces the impact of what you’re saying. Even in small ways, this type of language can make you come across as hesitant rather than self-assured.
Try saying, “I wanted to check in about…” instead. It keeps things clear and professional without making it sound like you’re shrinking yourself. The way you phrase things matters — own your words, and people will listen.
14. “If that’s okay with you.”
While it’s great to be considerate, adding this in can make you sound like you’re asking for permission rather than making a suggestion. It puts unnecessary doubt into your words, making it seem like you need validation for your decision. If you already know what you want or what needs to be done, there’s no reason to phrase it as a question.
Instead, say, “Let me know if that works for you” or “We can go ahead with this unless there are any concerns.” It keeps the conversation open while making you seem more confident in your own judgement. Assertiveness doesn’t mean ignoring people, but rather speaking with clarity and trust in your own decisions.
