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:
โI cannotโ
Did you know that saying โI cannotโ makes you appear powerless? Itโs 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 โI choose toโ By using these words, youโll sound more assertive.
โWhateverโ
While itโs 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, donโt shrug your shoulders as itโs the physical manifestation of the word!
โI donโt knowโ
Thereโs 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 youโre ignorant. That is why itโs better to frame this situation into more assertive words, such as โIโll find outโ, โIโm uncertainโ, or โIโm learning toโ.
โAlwaysโ
Unless youโre Severus Snape who always loves Lily Potter, donโt use this word. โAlwaysโ is also rarely true. Unless youโre giving written commands or instructions, this word is better avoided. You can replace with other options like โconstantlyโ, โeach timeโ, โregularlyโ, or โrepeatedlyโ.
โI supposed toโ
When you hear somebody say that he or she was supposed to do something but didnโt, 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 โI willโ or โI intendโ as these convey a firm perspective.
โLiterallyโ
Many people use this word wrongly. โLiterallyโ means literal or actually happening as stated. Unless itโs really happening as described, itโs better to use other option like โfigurativelyโ. So, whatever is happening is being described metaphorically.
โJustโ
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 โnoโ or a way to avoid the discomfort of feeling like weโre asking or disturbing too much.
