18 Phrases That Instantly Reveal You Don’t Know What You’re Talking About

35,000+ smart investors are already getting financial news, market signals, and macro shifts in the economy that could impact their money next with our FREE weekly newsletter. Get ahead of what the crowd finds out too late. Click Here to Subscribe for FREE.

Confidence is key when you’re talking to someone or speaking in public. There are some words and phrases that people use that make them seem unconfident or even unsure of what they’re saying. Sometimes, we use phrases to come across as more polite and not rude with what we have to say or suggest. However, seeming more polite does not have to come at the expense of sounding like we don’t know what we’re talking about. We can ensure that we remain polite without using these phrases just by adjusting our tones when speaking to people. To ensure that people know what we’re talking about, we must avoid these phrases as much as possible. Here are 18 verbal traps or commonly used phrases that instantly reveal you don’t know what you’re talking about:

“I’m not sure, but…”

We often use “I’m not sure, but…” when discussing something we know much about. This phrase gives the listener the impression that you’re unaware of the topic being discussed, or they may even take your views, opinions, or what you’re saying lightly. In addition to making you seem like you don’t know what you’re saying, the phrase also gives off the impression of a lack of confidence. This phrase must be avoided as much as possible, especially during public speaking.

“Just my opinion.”

When you’re talking about a more specific topic or something that not many people may have an insight into, it is expected to end your statement with “just my opinion.” This phrase makes the listener feel like you’re not very sure about what you’re talking about and don’t have much knowledge about the topic of conversation. There is no need for this phrase to be added at the end of what you say when discussing something. You can end your statement as is to give the impression that you understand what exactly you’re saying.

“This might be a silly question.”

When you’re listening to someone and you need clarification, it is expected to use the phrase “This might be a silly question” before asking your question. The phrase makes it seem like you may not fully understand a complicated topic or the topic that is being discussed, even if you fully understood what was said or discussed.

“Sort of” or “Kind of”

Beginning a sentence with “sort of” or “kind of” can make it seem like you don’t know how to make something clear or you don’t know what to say. It is essential to avoid these phrases as much as possible, especially when addressing employees, students, or anyone who holds a lower position than you do. These phrases make it seem like the speaker is uncertain about what to do or say. Statements can begin without using these phrases at all to ensure that there is certainty in what is being said.

“Maybe” or “Hopefully” or “Possibly”

These words are shared among everyone, and many times, these words make it seem like the speaker needs to be more confident or aware of what exactly is being said. Seeming indecisive or unaware while speaking can also give the impression that you need to be more confident with your words. This can make your listeners feel you don’t know what you’re saying.

“I was thinking…” or “I thought I should mention…”

Phrases like these make it seem like your listeners may not believe the idea that you want to come across or what you want to propose. These phrases not only make it seem like you don’t know what you’re saying, but they also highlight a lack of confidence in the ideas or proposals you want to put forward. Instead of the past tense, you can use the present tense and say “I think…” or “I want to mention…”. These phrases show that you know what you’re talking about and have confidence in your ideas.

“I just wanted to point out that…”

This phrase is also very commonly used. However, it has the potential to make your listeners confused about what you’re saying while also giving them the impression that you don’t know if you can say something. Instead of beginning your statement with phrases like “I just wanted to point out that,” you can begin saying what you intended to say straight away.

“Does that make sense?”

If you’re talking to someone and explaining something to them, it is expected to end what you’re saying by asking, “Does that make sense?” Often, this phrase can make it seem like what you’re saying may not make sense to you as well. The phrase could make your listener conclude that you are not entirely convinced about what you’re saying.

“Maybe we should try…”

Using this phrase gives the impression that you are unsure of yourself and the ideas you have to put forward. If you want to give your opinion, refrain from saying “maybe” and begin by saying, “Let’s try…” immediately. Doing this can make you seem more confident in what you’re saying while making your listeners believe that you know what you’re talking about.

“I’m not positive, but…”

This phrase can give off the same impression as the first phrase discussed in this article. Putting a disclaimer like this phrase before you begin saying what you want to say can easily make it seem that you’re undermining yourself and the ideas and knowledge you have about the topic that is being discussed. You can begin your statement straight away and avoid this phrase as much as possible to come across as confident in your ideas and thoughts.

“Needless to say”

 Using the phrase “needless to say” brings out a lot of irony in what you say or want to point out. Opening with this phrase means that you have nothing to say, but you go on to say something. This gives the impression that you’re either unaware of what the phrase means or will state the obvious. If you want to state something, it is better to avoid this phrase to emanate more confidence in your words.

“For what it’s worth.”

This phrase is another phrase that gives off the impression that you are not convinced about what you’re saying or what you want to put forward in a discussion. It is pretty standard to use this phrase, especially in group discussions. However, to avoid looking like you’re unsure about what you want to say and what your thoughts are on something, it is better to avoid using this phrase.

“Sorry”

If you have something to say to a supervisor or someone you work for, you can use the phrase “Excuse me” and begin with what you want to say instead of “Sorry to bother you.” Using the word “Sorry” before you begin saying something unless you are apologizing to someone makes it seem like you do not have any confidence and don’t know what you’re talking about.

“If you know what I mean.”

Using phrases like this at the end of saying something can make you seem unsure of what you have just said and have no confidence in what you stated. Phrases like this should be avoided if you want to ensure that your listeners know that you are confident in the words you say and the ideas you express.

“I’m probably wrong, but…”

Beginning a statement with this phrase not only makes you seem like you lack confidence in what you’re about to say, but the listener may also get the impression that you don’t know what you’re talking about. To ensure your listeners understand you’re knowledgeable about the discussed topic, avoid using this phrase before saying what you intend.

“Would it be okay…”

Many people often use this phrase if they have a suggestion about an action that needs to be taken or want to try something new to make things more efficient. This phrase can make you seem like you’re not entirely convinced about the ideas or suggestions you have. You can avoid this phrase altogether and begin stating your suggestions straight away if you want your ideas to be taken more seriously.

“I guess”

If you are in the position of a leader, using the phrase “I guess” can make you seem like you’re not confident in what you say, leading people to believe that you don’t know what you’re talking about. This phrase can sometimes even leave your decisions and what you say undermined by those around you.

“If it’s all right with you.”

If you have to decide on something, or if you have something to propose, you should avoid using the phrase “if it’s alright with you.” This phrase allows others to decline your proposition, which may be challenging to follow up on, especially if the decision has already been taken. Instead of using this phrase, you can say, “I’ve decided that…” or something similar. This will show that you are confident with the decision you’ve made and that you know what you’re doing.

Don’t Toss It Yet: 12 Overlooked Antiques In Your Home That Could Make You An Overnight Millionaire

Antique items have long captured the fascination of collectors and enthusiasts, and beyond their sentimental value, they hold the potential to bring considerable wealth to their fortunate owners.
Here are the 12 Overlooked Antiques In Your Home That Could Make You An Overnight Millionaire

Profitable Stock Traders are Using This Tool to “Hack” the Markets

This tool is helping traders beat the market compared to those who have no idea what is.
Here are the Top 28 Stock Trading Discord Servers Right Now.

10 Industries That Will Make The Most Millionaires In The Next 5 Years

If you are not paying attention to these 10 industries, you are about to miss out on the next boom of millionaires.
See the 10 Industries About to Make the Most Millionaires in the Next 5 Years.

8 Cryptos Set to Shoot to the Moon in 2023 – One Small Investment, One Giant Leap for Your Wallet

These are 8 cryptocurrencies you need to know about before you miss out on the next boom.
8 Cryptos Set to Shoot to the Moon in 2023 – One Small Investment, One Giant Leap for Your Wallet

10 Stocks in Bill Gates Stock Portfolio Smart Investors are Buying

We share the top 10 stocks that Bill Gates owns that smart investors are buying right now.
10 Stocks in Bill Gates Stock Portfolio Smart Investors are Buying

The wealthiest people on Earth share similarities in their habits. We break down the 27 habits you would not expect!
The 27 Unexpected Habits Of The Wealthy: Secrets To Maximize Your Money

This Options Discord Chat is The Real Deal

While the internet is scoured with trading chat rooms, many of which even charge upwards of thousands of dollars to join, this smaller options trading discord chatroom is the real deal and actually providing valuable trade setups, education, and community without the noise and spam of the larger more expensive rooms. With a incredibly low-cost monthly fee, Options Trading Club (click here to see their reviews) requires an application to join ensuring that every member is dedicated and serious about taking their trading to the next level. If you are looking for a change in your trading strategies, then click here to apply for a membership.