Here’s the deal – words matter. They’re the building blocks of our communication, and they can shape how others perceive us.
Ever wondered why some people just seem to command respect when they talk? It’s not about using big words or complex phrases. Quite the contrary, it’s about avoiding certain words that can diminish your perceived intelligence.
Psychology has a lot to say about this. There are a handful of words that, when used too often, can make you come across as less competent than you really are.
In this article, I’ll share with you seven words you should strike from your vocabulary if you want to sound smarter. Don’t worry, it won’t be as tough as proofreading a manuscript.
And who knows? Maybe dropping these words might even save you a few bucks when it comes to impressing clients or colleagues in the future.
Let’s get started.
1) “Just”
Did you know that the word “just” can unintentionally undermine your confidence?
This tiny word is often used when we’re trying to soften our statements or requests. But here’s the catch – it actually diminishes the impact of your message and can make you seem uncertain or apologetic.
Consider this. When you say, “I just think that…”, it can come across as if you’re asking for permission to express your opinion. Not exactly the best way to portray intelligence and confidence, right?
The psychology behind this is simple. Using “just” too often can signal a lack of assertiveness and give off the vibe that you’re not as competent as you really are.
Stripping this word from your sentences won’t be an easy task. It might even feel like proofreading your own speech in real-time. But trust me, the payoff will be worth it.
By eliminating “just” from your vocabulary, you’ll be able to communicate more directly and confidently, enhancing your perceived intelligence in conversations. After all, isn’t that what we’re aiming for?
2) “Honestly”
Here’s a personal confession. I used to sprinkle the word “honestly” liberally in my conversations. I thought it made me seem more genuine and transparent.
But then, I stumbled upon a psychological study that changed my perspective. Turns out, using “honestly” too much can actually make you seem less trustworthy. Surprising, right?
Here’s why. When you preface a statement with “honestly”, you’re implying that your other statements might not be truthful. It’s like you’re saying, “This time, I’m really telling the truth.”
Since I learned this, I’ve made a conscious effort to avoid using “honestly” unless it’s absolutely necessary. And believe me, it has made a significant difference in how my conversations flow and how others perceive me.
If you want to come across as intelligent and trustworthy, consider cutting back on the “honestly”. It might feel strange at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
3) “Like”
“Like” is one of those filler words that has crept into our everyday speech. It’s become so commonplace that you might not even notice how often you use it. But here’s something to think about.
Individuals who frequently use “like” in their speech are often perceived as less professional and less articulate. It can make your sentences sound cluttered and your ideas less coherent.
While “like” might seem harmless, it can subtly undermine your credibility and intelligence, especially in a professional setting.
Next time you’re about to drop a “like” into your conversation, try to pause and choose a more fitting word instead. It’s a small change, but one that can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.
4) “Actually”
The word “actually” might seem harmless enough, but overuse can unintentionally paint you in a negative light.
When used excessively, “actually” can come across as confrontational or condescending. It’s often perceived as if you’re correcting someone, even when that’s not your intention.
For instance, starting a sentence with “Actually, I think…” might make it seem like you’re dismissing the other person’s opinion or knowledge.
This can lead to a breakdown in communication and make you appear less approachable and intelligent.
Becoming aware of your use of “actually” and limiting it to necessary instances, can help enhance your communication skills and improve how others perceive your intelligence.
Remember, effective communication is about clarity, not just vocabulary.
5) “Literally”
There was a time when I fell into the trap of using “literally” for emphasis. For instance, I’d say, “I’m literally starving” when I was merely hungry, or “I was literally dying of laughter,” despite being very much alive.
However, the overuse and misuse of “literally” can lead to it losing its real meaning – which is to describe something exactly as it is.
When we use “literally” to exaggerate, it can confuse our message and make us seem less credible.
Learning to reserve “literally” for its true purpose has helped me communicate more clearly and effectively. And if you’re aiming to seem more intelligent in your conversations, I’d suggest you do the same.
It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in how your words are perceived.
6) “Maybe”
“Maybe” is another word that, when used excessively, can undermine your perceived intelligence.
When we pepper our conversations with “maybe,” it can make us seem indecisive and lacking in confidence. It gives the impression that we’re unsure of our thoughts or actions, which can diminish our credibility.
Instead of saying, “Maybe we could try this approach,” assert yourself with, “I suggest we try this approach.” The difference in perception can be significant.
Remember, clear and confident communication goes a long way in portraying your intelligence. So, ditch the “maybe” and express your ideas with conviction.
7) “Um”
“Um” is an infamous filler word, often used as we gather our thoughts. While it might seem insignificant, it can have a considerable impact on how others perceive our intelligence.
Repeated use of “um” can make you seem unprepared or unsure, which can undermine your credibility.
Instead, embrace the silence. Pausing before you speak can make you appear more thoughtful and measured, boosting your perceived intelligence.
Next time you’re about to say “um”, pause instead. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. And the boost in your perceived intelligence will be well worth the effort.
Final thoughts: It’s all about perception
The nuances of human communication are remarkably complex, often shaped by minute details we might overlook. One such detail is the words we use.
Our choice of words can subtly influence how others perceive our intelligence and credibility.
As we’ve seen, even common words like “just”, “honestly”, “like”, “actually”, “literally”, “maybe”, and “um” can undermine our perceived intelligence when used excessively.
But here’s the silver lining. Being aware of these words and consciously limiting their use can significantly enhance our communication skills. It’s not about eliminating these words entirely, but about using them judiciously.
Remember, communication is not just about expressing ourselves, but also about how our words are received by others.
The next time you find yourself reaching for one of these seven words, pause, and consider if there’s a better way to convey your thoughts.
This small change might just be the key to improving your perceived intelligence and making your conversations more impactful. And isn’t that what effective communication is all about?
