If you’ve got an opportunity to work your dream job in this economy, consider yourself lucky! But if you want to make the best impression possible, there are a few words you should avoid saying. When working in a competitive environment, certain words can hinder your performance and confidence. The worst part is that you may not even be aware that you said them. It’s normal to use negative phrases at work, but it’s time to start using alternatives instead. Mentioned below are 7 phrases you need to stop saying at work now!
1. “No Problem”
Using the phrase “no problem” to reply to a “Thank you” is quite common, but it’s something you should stop doing. Whenever someone thanks you for doing a task at work, you just simply say “you’re welcome” instead. When you use this phrase, it will give you a sense of recognition and appreciation.
2. “This might be wrong, but…” Phrase
It’s okay to doubt yourself when given the opportunity to showcase your workplace with a new idea. But, this can turn out to be a great success if you avoid opening your presentation and conversation in general with negative phrases. These negative phrases often involve self-doubt and go like “I’m no expert but…” or “This is probably a bad idea, but…”
When you use such phrases, you steer the audience to see flaws that don’t even exist. Your audience can react positively or negatively, but don’t influence their decision by using phrases to highlight your flaws.
3. “I Feel Like” Phrase
When you’re not sure talking about a certain idea, you tend to use phrases such as “I feel like” as an act of self-protection during anticipated criticism. When you stop using these words, the people you work with will start taking you seriously. Instead of dragging the conversation, cut to the chase, and show them what you really mean.
4. “Just”
There’s no harm in using the word “just” in all your emails, but notice the times you use it in your emails. Using “just” is a very respectful phrase as you’re putting the other person in a position higher than you. You tend to use this phrase when you’re nervous and not sure what to say next. If you want to have the upper hand in decisions, then avoid using the phrase “just”!
5. “How do I…”
If you have to ask your boss a query, phrase it, so you seem like you want to learn. Don’t straight up start with “How do I…”? That just going to make your boss start questioning your capabilities, and that’s the last thing you want.
6. “Let me Know” Phrase
When using the term “let me know,” you’re being considerate towards others’ availability and time, but you’re not actually getting the job done. Think of other questions that provide a distraction, and use a phrase that confirms their availability but in a polite way. Don’t let them leave you hanging.
7. “Does That Make Sense”
After conducting a proper meeting or presentation, you want constant feedback to reassure that you made sense or were clear enough. In a frenzy, you may ask coworkers, “Does that make sense?” Using this phrase suggests you’re preemptively not coherent, and that’s not necessarily true. Feedback and clarity are not necessary for you to succeed, but you should have faith in your capabilities.
Conclusion
Once you stop using these seven phrases at work, you will notice a change of confidence and strength in whatever work you do. Start practicing now So you can communicate at work confidently.