We’ve all had conversations that feel frustrating, unproductive, or just plain awkward. Sometimes, the issue isn’t what’s being said—but how it’s being said.
Weak communicators often rely on certain phrases that create confusion, shut down meaningful discussion, or make them seem unsure of themselves.
And the worst part? They usually don’t even realize they’re doing it.
The good news is that communication is a skill, and like any skill, it can be improved with awareness and practice.
By recognizing these common weak phrases, you can start replacing them with stronger, clearer language—helping you express yourself more effectively and build better connections with others.
Here are eight phrases to watch out for in everyday conversation.
1) “I think…”
Confidence plays a huge role in how people perceive us. And one of the quickest ways to sound unsure of yourself is by constantly prefacing your thoughts with “I think.”
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having an opinion. But saying *“I think”* before every statement can make you seem hesitant or doubtful—even when you actually know what you’re talking about.
For example, compare these two sentences:
“This strategy will help us reach our goal faster.”
“I think this strategy will help us reach our goal faster.”
The second version sounds less certain, even though it’s saying the exact same thing. Strong communicators trust their own words and present their ideas with confidence.
So, the next time you catch yourself saying “I think,” pause for a second. If it’s not necessary, drop it—and say what you mean with conviction.
2) “Does that make sense?”
I used to say this all the time without even realizing it. After explaining an idea, I’d immediately follow up with, “Does that make sense?” thinking I was being helpful.
But in reality, I was doing two things:
- Undermining my own clarity—almost suggesting that what I just said probably didn’t make sense.
- Putting the burden on the other person to reassure me instead of just asking if they had questions.
Once, during a team meeting, I shared a new workflow idea. At the end of my explanation, I caught myself saying, “Does that make sense?”
A colleague responded with, “Uh… yeah?”—but their hesitation made me realize something. They weren’t confused by my idea; they were thrown off by my lack of confidence in my own words.
A better way to check for understanding? Simply ask, “Do you have any questions?” or “What are your thoughts?”
This keeps the conversation open without making it seem like you doubt yourself.
3) “Sorry, but…”
Apologizing when you’ve done something wrong is a sign of emotional intelligence. But over-apologizing—especially when it’s unnecessary—can make you seem less confident and even less credible.
Research has found that women, in particular, tend to apologize more often than men, not because they mess up more, but because they have a lower threshold for what they consider offensive or disruptive behavior.
This can create a habit of saying “Sorry, but…” before making a simple request, sharing an opinion, or even just taking up space in a conversation.
For example:
“Sorry, but I have a quick question.”
“I have a quick question.”
The second version sounds far stronger and more assured. If you haven’t actually done anything wrong, there’s no need to apologize—just say what you need to say.
4) “I’ll try…”
Saying “I’ll try” might seem harmless, but it can actually signal doubt and a lack of commitment.
When you say you’ll try to do something, you’re already leaving room for failure—before you’ve even started.
Imagine a colleague tells you, “I’ll try to finish the report by Friday.” It doesn’t inspire much confidence, does it? Now compare that to, “I’ll have the report finished by Friday.”
The second statement is clear and decisive, making it more likely that the person will follow through.
Of course, there are times when uncertainty is unavoidable. But in most cases, replacing “I’ll try” with “I will” or “I can” makes you sound more reliable—and helps you approach tasks with a stronger mindset.
5) “It is what it is.”
At first glance, “It is what it is” might seem like a harmless phrase—maybe even a wise one. But in reality, it often shuts down conversation and signals resignation instead of resilience.
When people say this, they’re usually facing a challenge or disappointment.
But instead of looking for solutions or expressing their emotions, they use this phrase as a way to give up. It’s a verbal shrug—one that can make both the speaker and the listener feel powerless.
The truth is, things don’t just happen. We always have some level of control, even if it’s just over our mindset or response.
Instead of saying “It is what it is,” try something that encourages growth, like “What can we do about this?” or “How can we move forward?”
Words shape the way we think. And choosing words that foster action and hope can make all the difference.
6) “Maybe…”
For a long time, I thought saying “maybe” was a way to keep my options open, to avoid committing before I was ready. But over time, I realized it was doing more harm than good.
When someone asked if I could take on a project, I’d say, “Maybe, let me see.” When making plans with friends, “Maybe, I’ll let you know.” It felt safer than giving a direct answer.
But all it really did was create confusion—both for me and for the people around me.
The problem with “maybe” is that it leaves things hanging. It doesn’t give clarity, and it often signals hesitation or avoidance.
Instead, saying “Yes, I can” or “No, I can’t” makes communication clearer and decision-making easier.
Being direct doesn’t mean being harsh. It just means respecting your own time—and the time of others—by giving a real answer.
7) “Just…”
It’s easy to slip “just” into sentences without even thinking about it. But this small word can have a surprisingly big impact on how your message is received.
Compare these two statements:
“I wanted to follow up on our conversation.”
“I just wanted to follow up on our conversation.”
That one extra word—“just”—makes the sentence sound less confident, almost as if you’re minimizing your own reason for reaching out.
It subtly weakens your message, making it seem less important or even apologetic.
Of course, there are times when “just” is necessary. But if you catch yourself using it as a way to soften what you’re saying, try removing it.
Your words will instantly sound stronger and more self-assured.
8) “I guess…”
Few phrases make you sound more uncertain than “I guess.” It adds hesitation where none is needed, making even strong statements seem weak or unconvincing.
“That’s a great idea.”
“I guess that’s a great idea.”
When you use this phrase, it can make others question whether you actually believe what you’re saying. Over time, it can even make you doubt your own thoughts and opinions.
If you mean something, say it with certainty. If you’re unsure, ask a question or seek clarity. But don’t let “I guess” become a crutch that holds you back from speaking with confidence.
Bottom line: Your words shape how others see you
The way we communicate influences not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves.
Weak phrases, often spoken out of habit, can subtly chip away at our confidence and clarity over time.
Research in psycholinguistics suggests that the language we use doesn’t just reflect our thoughts—it actively shapes them.
When we repeatedly soften our statements, apologize unnecessarily, or express uncertainty, we reinforce those feelings in our own minds.
But the opposite is also true.
Small shifts in language—removing unnecessary qualifiers, speaking with more conviction, and choosing words that reflect confidence—can transform the way we connect with others and how we see ourselves.
Every conversation is an opportunity to express yourself with more clarity and purpose. And sometimes, the most powerful change starts with simply choosing better words.
