Communication is an inseparable part of our life. We communicate through speech, text, emails, phone calls, and even photo captions on our social media pages. All of those communication forms use one common thing: words.
When we have great ideas, we need to know how to communicate them. Not only interpersonal relationship level, our communication in works also should be conveying our confidence. But, sometimes we have some bad speech or writing habits that fails us to sound smarter.
Choosing the right words to express our mind is important, not only for persuasive purpose but also simply to shape our image. Some words should be avoided to be used in our communication to not sound powerless, unintelligent, and even arrogant.
Here are the words you should remove from your vocabulary immediately:
βI cannotβ
Did you know that saying βI cannotβ makes you appear powerless? Itβs a very common word we use in our daily conversation to express that we are unable to do something. Instead of using these words, you can use other options like βI choose toβ By using these words, youβll sound more assertive.
βWhateverβ
While itβs fine to be used in daily conversation with your closest friends, this throwaway expression sounds kind of rude. Instead of saying this word, you can simply be silent. Just keep this expression to yourself. Also, donβt shrug your shoulders as itβs the physical manifestation of the word!
βI donβt knowβ
Thereβs nothing wrong with not knowing something and admitting it. These words can also express honesty and humbleness. But, sometimes, this expression conveys a message that youβre ignorant. That is why itβs better to frame this situation into more assertive words, such as βIβll find outβ, βIβm uncertainβ, or βIβm learning toβ.
βAlwaysβ
Unless youβre Severus Snape who always loves Lily Potter, donβt use this word. βAlwaysβ is also rarely true. Unless youβre giving written commands or instructions, this word is better avoided. You can replace with other options like βconstantlyβ, βeach timeβ, βregularlyβ, or βrepeatedlyβ.
βI supposed toβ
When you hear somebody say that he or she was supposed to do something but didnβt, what he or she say really meant was that they had the best of intentions but some outside influence or circumstances compelled them to act otherwise. It can be replaced with βI willβ or βI intendβ as these convey a firm perspective.
βLiterallyβ
Many people use this word wrongly. βLiterallyβ means literal or actually happening as stated. Unless itβs really happening as described, itβs better to use other option like βfigurativelyβ. So, whatever is happening is being described metaphorically.
βJustβ
In professional context, this word minimizes the power of your statements and can make you seem defensive or even apologetic. It can often be a defense mechanism subconsciously used to shield ourselves from the rejection of hearing βnoβ or a way to avoid the discomfort of feeling like weβre asking or disturbing too much.
