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
5 Turmeric-Based Facial Masks For Removing Hair
Turmeric is a wonderful spice from India that has a whole myriad of different applications. Here's how to make 5 turmeric-based masks for unwanted hair removal.
Avoid These Pork Cooking Mistakes!
As versatile and delicious as pork may be it there are a lot of potential errors when it comes to cooking it. Here are the 12 most common mistakes to avoid.
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.
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.
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.
This Is Why It's a Bad Idea to Go to Bed With Wet Hair
Hair is at its most fragile when it's wet, not to mention that it can give rise to dandruff and bacterial growth. Here's why you should dry it after washing.
Using Vinegar to Clean These Items Can Really Damage Them
Cleaning these common home surfaces and other items with vinegar can seriously damage them...
Guide: How to Make a Tasty Fruit Salad In No Time at All...
This video will show you how to quickly chop fruit for those delicious and fresh fruit salads.
Financial Planning for Widowhood - 7 Important Tips
Losing a spouse can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. But there are some important financial steps you must take immediately.
Those Stickers On Your Produce Can Tell You an Awful Lot!
The stickers that you find on fruit and vegetables can tell you an awful lot about how the produce was grown. Read on to find out more.
Get Rich Quick, Courtesy of Your Local Thrift Shop!
Most people aren't able to distinguish trash from treasure, but thanks to this handy guide you won't be one of them any longer!
7 Myths About Burning Calories
Burning calories is something we all want, but we need to know what we're doing first, and that means disproving these 7 common but misguided myths about calorie burning.
20 Ways to Use Lemons You Never Knew About
Lemons are so wonderful - have you ever tried any of these uses?
Relieve Itching With These 7 Useful Natural Tips
Here's a look at a few great home remedies that can work wonders to calm itchy skin.
DIY: 12 Ways to Give Your Plastic Bottles New Life
Recycling is good but did you know there are lots of other things you can do with plastic bottles? Here are 12 ideas for do-it-yourself projects to create masterpieces out of junk.
A Few Tips for Restoring Order to Your Household
Some of the best home tips
Make Your Home Smell Amazing with These 2 Ingredients
You can make your home smell absolutely amazing by using just these two ingredients. This video will show you how to make your own air freshener.
Are Your Houseplants Leaking Water? This Is What It Means
Is it good if your indoor plants are emitting droplets of water? Every houseplant owner ought to know the answer to this one...
These 20 Awesome Tool Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These awesome tool hacks will make your life so much easier!
Here's How You Can Declutter Your Home in Just One Month
If you're looking to declutter your home but don't know where to begin, these 12 tips might just help you out!
Avoid Spending Extra Cash on these Unnecessary Upgrades!
To make sure you don't have buyer's remorse after making a big electrical appliance purchase, avoid these upgrades!
Four Ways to Tie Your Shoes for Foot Pain Relief
This helpful guide will teach you how to tie your laces based on the specific issue you're experiencing.
A Guide to Identifying and Treating 8 Common Lawn Problems
Discover 8 common problems in gardens and lawns and how they can be treated
With Age Comes Wisdom! Great Advice From People Over 50
Why get advice from a book when you can get great advice from a person over 50?
How to Make Your Own Beautiful Cold-Porcelain
This rose, and all these ornaments look incredible - but did you know they are made from cold-porcelain, which you can make yourself? Check out this recipe.
These Innocuous Car Items Conceal Surprising Dangers
If you're a car owner, this video will be really helpful to you.
10 Things You SHOULDN'T Store on Top of Your Refrigerator
Learn why these items shouldn't be stored on the top of your fridge.
10 Tips for Cleaning With Salt - Number 8 is My Favorite..
Salt can be found in every home, but besides for cooking, it is efficient and useful for cleaning. Here are 10 effective ways to use salt for cleaning.
Chef's Tips: Chop Your Veggies Quickly Like a Pro
If you want to save yourself some time in the kitchen, follow these fantastic veggie chopping tips from the experts!
Persistent Bad Breath? Not With These Natural Remedies
Don't worry, there are plenty of natural remedies for this problem!
Do You Power Nap? If Not, Here's Why You Should!
Nothing beats a good night's sleep, but there are many benefits that arise from taking a short power nap. Here are 6 of them.
7 Common Bank Scams and How to Avoid Them
Banking scams continue to evolve with time, but with proper knowledge you can learn to avoid them.
Borax Has So Many Uses! Here Are 26 of My Favorite
Did you know about these intriguing uses for Borax?
10 Dog Winter Care Tips that'll Guarantee a Healthy Pet
The following list delves into ten pivotal areas of focus for dog owners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to winter dog care.
A Clever Trick For Keeping Your Favorite Snacks Fresh
This video will show you a simple trick that will keep your very perishable snacks fresh.
Do NOT Store These Fruit and Veg Together!
What are the best ways to store fresh fruit and vegetables? This guide explains.
7 Important and Surprising Uses for Hand Sanitizer
As hand sanititzer has become a household staple now, here are 7 surprising handy uses of it you should know
The Ultimate Makeup Guide You Need in Your Life!
Learn how to prepare makeup for day-to-day as well as special occasions the right way thanks to the nifty tricks given by this life-saving infographic!
Paper Towels Can Do Much More Than Just Mop Up Spills
We all think that paper towels are just for mopping up spills, but it turns out they have many uses you wouldn't expect. Take a look at them here!
Can My Dog Eat That? An Important Infographic for Dog Owners
If you want to keep your dog safe and happy, you need to know what foods they can and cannot eat.
7 Tips to Maintaining a Life-Long Friendship
Advice from life-long friends about how to maintain a strong friendship.
Why Didn't I Think of That? 10 Great Kitchen Tricks!
Lifestyle hack videos are great, because they teach us things that we wish we'd thought of ourselves. Watch this video now to learn 10 awesome lifestyle hacks.
7 Fantastic Ways to Use Tea Bags in Your Garden
Before you dump your tea bags you should be aware that they can come in handy in the garden. Here are 7 great ways you can use tea bags in your garden.
Never Struggle to Get Out of Bed Again with These Tips
Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? If so, you can add some much needed energy to your mornings by taking heed of these simple tips.
These Fun Games Will Help Boost Your Memory
Seniors will benefit greatly by playing these memory-enhancing games. Oh, and they are fun!
Cutting These Things In Half Did Wonders For My Wallet...
Cutting the amount of certain things you use in half is an excellent exercise in frugality. Furthermore, you'll save money. Here are 10 things to cut in half.
After Watching This, You'll Stop Pouring Fat Down the Sink
Pouring grease down your drain can do real damage to your pipes and the sewer system. Here's what you need to know.