9 Verbal Mistakes that Make You Seem Less Confident

When it comes to confidence, verbal behavior plays a crucial role in shaping people’s perceptions. Linguistics expert Deborah Tannen argues that the way you speak determines who gets heard, who gets credit, and what gets done. In reality, the words you use and how you use them can have a profound impact on how you are perceived. Here are nine common verbal mistakes that make you seem less confident:

1. “Um” and “Ah”

These words, also known as crutch words, are often used when people are temporarily lost for words. While they may seem natural, they make you appear less confident and less intelligent. To overcome this habit, take brief pauses instead of using crutch words.

2. “Like” and “You Know”

Similar to “um”s and “ah”s, these words make you seem unprofessional and incompetent. To be taken seriously, eliminate these phrases from your vocabulary.

3. “Just”

Using this word (e.g., “just wanted to ask a question”) weakens your statements, making you appear unsure of yourself. Rather than using such watering-down words, speak with conviction and clarity.

4. “Kind Of”

Words like “kind of” and “sort of” suggest vagueness and ambiguity. To avoid appearing indecisive or timid, eliminate these words from your conversation.

5. “Hopefully”

If you frequently use the word “hopefully,” you may be subconsciously revealing that you lack control over certain situations. This can make you seem weak or unreliable. Be mindful of how often you use “hopefully” in conversations.

6. “Actually”

While “actually” has become a popular filler word, it’s not always necessary and can make you appear uneducated. Using “actually” too often suggests that you’re struggling to make your point, reducing your credibility.

7. “Sorry”

Saying sorry when it’s not necessary can make you seem passive, weak, or even insincere. Instead, be straightforward and assertive in your communication.

8. F-bomb

While a well-timed swear word can add emphasis, excessive profanity is not only unnecessary but also offensive. Using curse words repeatedly can suggest that you’re not confident or lack professional etiquette.

9. Over-apologizing

Many people frequently apologize when it’s not necessary, potentially compromising their credibility in the process. Avoid saying sorry without a valid reason; instead, be confident and assertive in your communication.

Final Thoughts

The key takeaway from this article is that verbal behavior plays an important role in how confident you appear to others. While these verbal mistakes may seem trivial, they can have a significant impact on the perceptions that others hold of you. By eliminating these verbal missteps from your conversations, you can improve your confidence and credibility, making it easier for others to recognize your competence and worth.