Did you know that you could be hurting your credibility with something as simple as your choice of words? Being aware of this fact can help you in a whole multitude of different scenarios, not least when you’re being grilled during an interview. Here are words that you should avoid in order to keep your credibility intact:
1. Hedges
Examples: "Sort of," "kind of," "pretty much," and "maybe"
We tend to use hedges when we don’t want to say something outright. The end result of using them is a perceived lack of confidence, which can be especially detrimental in the workplace. Paralysis with self-doubt is never a good a look for anyone, as giving this impression implies that you’ll have trouble taking decisions in the future.
2. Intensifiers
Examples: "Really," "definitely," "absolutely," and "totally"
Although we use intensifiers to place emphasis on how good or bad something is or was, it usually has the opposite effect to the desired one. For instance, telling someone how really, really great a vacation was might lead them to believe that it wasn’t that great at all seeing as you’re making such a point to insist that it was. In addition, intensifiers can make you seem overly dramatic, which can also result in a loss of credibility.
3. Fillers
Examples: "Like," "um," "er," and "ah"
You should resist the urge to fill the silence when you stop talking, because it just adds uncertainty and awkwardness to a conversation. You just need to stop yourself from using fillers whenever you can, because they just take credibility away from the discussion or conversation at hand.
4. Apologizing
Example: "Sorry"
Starting your sentences with an apology is never a good idea. In the workplace, constantly saying sorry can cause your employer to question your abilities, and this is because people perceive those who are overly-apologetic as being unable to stand up and take ownership of their ideas.
Why we use these words
In almost any setting we find ourselves in, we’re communicating impressions of ourselves. We want to help our statements get across to other parties in any way we can, so we choose to decorate them by using words such as “literally” and “really” in the hope that our message is conveyed more successfully. The thing is, however, that usually the opposite occurs.
How to stop using them
All you need to do to stop using these words is to listen to yourself with intent and develop an awareness of what you’re saying. Listen to your own speech, be open to feedback from your friends and make changes where you see fit to. With regard to all of the above, none of these credibility-diminishing words are terrible when used in isolation, but overusing them will definitely weaken your credibility.
Content source: Business Insider
Images (including cover) by Deposit Photos.
Related Articles:
8 Tips to Help You Stop Taking Things so Personally
10 Rules That Will Help You Clear Your Thoughts
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
Make Sure Never To Use a Vacuum On These Household Items
Vacuum cleaners are the most effective tool against spills and messes but it can have disastrous results if you decide to clean up these spills with a vacuum
Teach Your Dog 10 Basic and Important Commands!
There are numerous ways you can teach your dog tricks and commands, however the best way is to use a clicker. Learn how to teach your dog new tricks.
These Items Should Never, Ever Be Stored In a Garage...
We often overlook how to store items correctly, and many of these items usually end up in our garage. Here are 9 items you should never store in your garage.
The Amount of Different Uses For Dish Soap Will Amaze You
Although we buy and use dish soap pretty much exclusively to clean dishes, it has many other uses. Here are 15 alternative uses for dish soap.
7 Items You Should Never Clean with Paper Towels
As useful as they are, paper towels are not fit for any task. Here are 7 items you should never clean with paper towels.
9 Genius Ideas For Keeping Your Food Fresh For Longer
These great and simple storage tips will help you keep your food fresher for longer, and save you some extra trips to the grocery store!
Aging Hands? Keep Them Looking Young with These Tips
With proper care, and this handy advice, your hands will keep your age hidden for longer.
15 Immensely Helpful Things You Can Do With Baby Oil
Learn about these 15 helpful uses for baby oil!
Give Your Feet a Treat With This Great Homemade Foot Soak
This simple, homemade foot soak uses only two ingredients to ensure your feet look and feel great!
This 10-Minute Read Will Make You a Bourbon Expert
Are you unsure of the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch? We are here to clarify.
This Flower Arrangement Will Make Your Bouquet Stand Out
Got a bouquet of flowers? Here's how to stack them nicely in a vase.
WATCH: 10 Amazing Life-Hacks You Wish You Knew Years Ago
If there were only 10 life-hacks you needed to learn, these would be them.
How to Become Wiser in 6 Simple Steps
Intelligence is something, some say, we are born with. On the other hand, wisdom, which is far more useful, is definitely something one can accumulate over a lifetime. Many search for ways to become wise, but few feel they have really achieved it. Ch
Shocking! This is What the Bar Code on Produce Means
What do the stickers on your produce mean? Find out here.
How to Start a Garden on a Windowsill
No green thumb is needed for this simple gardening project.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Freshen Your Mattress
There are thousands of small reasons to clean your mattress, and one simple way to do so!
Shocking Bathroom Items That SHOULDN'T Be in the Bathroom
Bathrooms get so damp and humid, they are a breeding ground for bacteria. And here are 8 surprising things we need to keep out of the bathroom.
These Fun Games Will Help Boost Your Memory
Seniors will benefit greatly by playing these memory-enhancing games. Oh, and they are fun!
Black Pepper Is More Than a Seasoning - Here Are 10 Uses
Black pepper has so much going for it. It's already in your cupboard so you might as well get these 10 extra uses from it.
8 Shopping Tricks That Will Save You Money
Learn to save more money with these secret tips.
Tip: All You Need to Know About Your Kitchen Knives
This handy quick cheat-sheet for home cooks gives you a quick run-down of what chefs know about their knives, explains the lingo, and gives some great advice!
How Many Times You Can Wear Clothes Before Washing Them
Are you re-wearing your clothes more often than you should? Follow this guide.
10 Features to Look For When Buying a New Washing Machine
If you’re buying a new washing machine, you should keep these tips in mind first.
This Weird Hack Will Keep Your Cookies Fresh for Days
Keep your cookies fresh for days with this unbelievable, weird hack.
Solve Your Everyday Problems with These Time Saving Tips
This handy list of hacks will make your life easier and is budget-friendly. You'll be surprised to discover what you can do with these everyday objects.
8 Everyday Activities That are Damaging Your Spine
Here's a list of everyday activities that harm your spine.
12 Clever Ways of Decluttering Your Home of All That Junk
Don't just throw away the junk you have at home, learn to reuse and recycle it the smart way with these 12 clever tips
Be Warned! This Battery Could Be a Danger to Your Home
If you use 9V batteries, you need to be aware of this vital information.
Get Wax Out of Your Clothes Easily with This Guide
If you've got wax stuck on your fabrics, this is the best way to go about removing it.
5 Things to Start Doing Every Day If Things Feel Stressed
Here are 5 priceless key tips that can make your life more productive and less stressful!
Here's All You Need to Know about Travel Medical Insurance
Planning a trip abroad? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about travel medical insurance!
Don't Throw Your Old Kitchen Items Away, Do This Instead...
Is it time your old kitchen items get replaced? Why not give them a creative facelift? Here are some terrific DIY home ideas to inspire you.
Treat Your Kitty With This DIY Cat Hammock
Share this video tutorial with all the cat owners you know. They're sure to appreciate it!
What an Amazing Laundry Whitening Solution This Is!
It's always hard to get stains from white fabrics, isn't it? Not any more! Check out this brilliant whitening solution for your laundry you can make at home!
You MUST Pay Attention to These Numbers When Buying Fruit
The numbers you see on fruit have much more significance than you think. You can learn everything you need to know about the fruit you're buying from them.
7 Ways to Trap Pesky Fruit Flies
Fruit flies can be incredibly gross and annoying, but you're about to learn 7 novel ways of trapping the little critters.
How to Deal With an Angry Person in Your Life
This is a video guide to show you how to deal with an angry person in the best way possible.
Don’t Let Broken Zippers Bother You Again. I’ve Found a Fix!
Don’t throw away your favorite pair of pants because of a broken zipper. Grab and needle and thread and try this easy fix.
These Guides Are Chock-a-Block With Helpful Info
Take our advice – keep these useful guides at hand for they might come in use someday.
7 Great Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for Your Dog!
Not many people are aware that you can use apple cider vinegar for their dog. Here's how!
9 Tips to Keep Your Sweater from Shedding This Winter
Winter is almost here, and it’s time to protect your sweaters from shedding.
Why Buy Candles When You Can Make Your Own at Home?
Why spend money on expensive candles when you can easily make your own? This guide will show you how.
Driving in Bad Weather Needn't Be Dangerous with These Tips
Drive safely in bad weather by bearing in mind these six essential tips.
These Facts About Happiness Will Change the Way You Think
Here are 25 surprising facts about what it actually means to be happy.
Keep Your Bananas Fresh Much Longer With These Hacks
Don't want your bananas to ripen too fast? These tips will help keep them fresh and flavorful for longer.
The Smart Weight-Loss Tips No One Ever Told You
These simple daily changes can bring an avalanche of goodness to your body. I'm sure you've never heard at least half of these tips, but each and every one of them will have a small and meaningful effect on your weight loss.