The Art of Conversation: Five Cliches You Should Avoid

As humans, we tend to fall back on certain phrases and expressions when we’re engaging in conversation. While this can sometimes serve as a convenient social lubricant, over-reliance on cliches can be a real conversation-killer. In this article, we’re going to take a look at five commonly-used cliches that you should strive to avoid.

1. “At the end of the day…”

This phrase is often used to signal that the speaker is about to make an important point. Unfortunately, it also has the effect of dismissing or disregarding any other points that have been raised in the conversation. When you hear someone say “at the end of the day,” you can be pretty sure that they’re not interested in hearing any dissenting opinions.

2. “I know what you mean…”

This phrase is often used in an attempt to empathize with the person you’re speaking with. While it’s true that sometimes it’s helpful to simply acknowledge someone’s feelings, saying “I know what you mean” can sometimes backfire. The person you’re speaking with may feel like you’re not really listening or understanding them. Additionally, if you don’t really know what they mean, you could end up inadvertently offending them.

3. “With all due respect…”

This phrase is often used as a prelude to criticism. Unfortunately, it often has the opposite effect of what the speaker intends. When you say “with all due respect,” the person you’re speaking to is likely to perceive it as a sign that you don’t actually respect them at all. And when you follow it up with a critical statement, you’re likely to offend them.

4. “Isn’t that always the way?”

This phrase is often used to commiserate with someone who’s going through a tough time. While it can be helpful to let someone know that you understand how they feel, saying “isn’t that always the way?” is likely to come across as dismissive. It’s also important to remember that your job as a friend is to support the person, not to offer unsolicited advice.

5. “It is what it is.”

This phrase is often used to express resignation or acceptance. While it can be a useful coping mechanism in some situations, it can be problematic if it becomes your default response to everything. Saying “it is what it is” suggests that you don’t think you have the power to change anything. In reality, there are often things you can do to make a situation better.

At the end of the day, the goal of any conversation should be to connect with the other person and build a meaningful relationship. Cliches can sometimes get in the way of that goal and make it harder to have a productive conversation. If you want to be a better communicator, try to avoid the five cliches we’ve discussed in this article. Instead, strive to be more genuine and authentic in your interactions with others. Your relationships will be the better for it.