Want to sound more confident? || Have a look at these tips.
Hello fellow steemians,
It is yet another beautiful morning and I bring to you some basic things that we can avoid to stand confident in wherever we find ourselves and whatever we do.
The last thing you want to do in such a competitive world is undercut yourself. But that's exactly what a lot of us are doing when we communicate in ways that make us sound less sure of ourselves, less confident, and less determined.
However, there is a simple solution: Replace weak words and phrases with ones that make you appear more professional and capable.
Here are some words and phrases that psychologists, linguists, recruiters, and CEOs say you should avoid using if you want to advance in your career, as well as simple replacements that will make a big difference in how you are perceived:
1. “Does that make sense?”
"What are your thoughts?" is a better alternative. or "I'd like to hear your thoughts on this."
"Does that make any sense?" you might wonder. You immediately give the impression that you're not convinced yourself, that your idea might be incomplete, after you've finished sharing a thought.
Rather than seeking validation or approval, you should solicit feedback from the listener or reader on your concept.
2. “Maybe we should try ...”
"Let's try..." is a good alternative. "It's a good idea to..." or "It's a good idea to..."
Until the mid-nineteenth century, "maybe" was written as two words — "may" and "be," making it clear that it referred to something that could, but not always, happen.
When it comes to your own ideas or suggestions, that's a bit wishy-washy. You either believe in what you're saying or you don't.
3. “I think this would ...”
"I believe this would..." is a better alternative.
This is a minor but important distinction: "I think" has a weaker ring to it than "I believe," and it conveys a sense of skepticism, as if you're implying that something might work but you're not sure.
"I believe" puts you in command of the thought while also conveying a sense of calm assurance. Even if you're not entirely certain, no one needs to know!
4. “I’m not positive, but …” or “I’m not sure, but …
Instead, say whatever you were planning to say after the "but."
There's no need to include any disclaimers. You're also undermining yourself if you start your sentence with "I know this might be a stupid question, but..." or "I don't want to sound pushy, but..."
Don't put yourself down is a simple rule that needs to be repeated. Ever.
5. “I just wanted to touch base ...”
"I wanted to touch base..." is a good alternative?
How many emails have you started with the phrase "Just wanted to ask you if..."? The issue here is that the "just" acts as a softener, almost as if you're saying, "I'm sorry to bother you, but..."
There is a time and a place for that, but it isn't usually the case in business communication.
6. “Sorry”
"Excuse me," you might say instead.
If you've done something wrong and need to own up to it, it's fine to apologize, but far too many people do so and end up tarnishing their image. When a simple "Excuse me" is shorter, snappier, and less self-deprecating, why say "Sorry to bother you?"
People believe those who overuse "I'm sorry" are ineffective and lacking in confidence, according to psychologists. If you need more proof, consider that the word "sorry" has been used to mean "wretched" or "worthless" since the 13th century.
Another one to avoid: “I'm sorry to bother you, but...” Simply inquire!
In Conclusion
It is very important to take note of these basic things that affect our confident level and try as much as possible to avoid them to increase our confidence level.