Words You Should Stop Using as a Business Person (and What to Say Instead)
In business, words are everything. They’re your currency in emails, presentations, pitches, and negotiations. The words you choose can either inspire confidence or raise doubt, build bridges or burn them, establish authority or reveal insecurity. Yet, many businesspeople — from fresh entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals — still use weak, outdated, or unclear language that undermines their credibility.
If you want to sound more professional, persuasive, and powerful, here are the words and phrases you should eliminate from your business vocabulary immediately — and what to use instead.
1. "Honestly" / "To be honest..."
Why You Should Stop:
When you say “honestly,” it makes people wonder: Have you been dishonest before? It implies that this time you're telling the truth, which unintentionally raises suspicion.
Say Instead:
Just say what you mean, without the preamble. Be straightforward. Confidence doesn't require a disclaimer.
2. "Just"
Why You Should Stop:
“Just” is a minimizing word. “I’m just following up” or “I just wanted to ask…” makes you sound unsure, apologetic, or less important. It diminishes your request or idea.
Say Instead:
Be direct. Say: “I’m following up” or “I wanted to ask...” Cutting “just” makes you sound more confident and assertive.
3. "I think" / "I feel"
Why You Should Stop:
While these phrases may soften your language, they also reduce the strength of your statements. In business, people value certainty, clarity, and confidence — not hesitation.
Say Instead:
Use “I believe,” “My view is,” or simply state your opinion: “This approach will increase sales.” Speak like someone whose ideas matter — because they do.
4. "Sorry" (when it’s not needed)
Why You Should Stop:
Over-apologizing can make you seem less confident or overly submissive. For example, saying “Sorry for bothering you” implies that your presence is a nuisance.
Say Instead:
Try “Thank you for your time” or “I appreciate your attention.” Appreciation feels stronger than apology.
5. "Maybe" / "Possibly" / "I’m not sure"
Why You Should Stop:
These words express doubt, and while it’s fine to admit uncertainty when appropriate, consistently using them shows a lack of conviction.
Say Instead:
Use “Let’s explore,” “I’ll confirm,” or “I’ll look into it.” These alternatives keep the conversation open without projecting indecision.
6. "No problem"
Why You Should Stop:
Although widely used, saying “No problem” in customer service or client interactions subtly implies that there could have been a problem. It's passive and can feel dismissive.
Say Instead:
Use “My pleasure,” “Absolutely,” or “You’re welcome.” These are more positive and professional responses.
7. "Stuff"
Why You Should Stop:
“Stuff” is vague and nonspecific. In business, clarity matters. “We have to finish the marketing stuff” is unclear and unprofessional.
Say Instead:
Be specific. Say: “We need to complete the marketing plan, ads, and budget report.” Clarity shows control and attention to detail.
8. "Whatever"
Why You Should Stop:
“Whatever” can sound dismissive, passive-aggressive, or uninterested — all of which hurt your professionalism.
Say Instead:
If you truly don’t have a preference, say: “I’m open to your suggestions” or “I trust your judgment.” If you do care, speak up clearly.
9. "Literally" (when it’s not literal)
Why You Should Stop:
Saying “I literally died laughing” or “We literally crushed the competition” when it’s not actually literal reduces your credibility. It's also overused and cliché.
Say Instead:
Use expressive but accurate language. “We exceeded expectations” sounds much more impressive.
10. "ASAP"
Why You Should Stop:
ASAP is ambiguous. Does it mean today? In an hour? Now? It can create confusion or urgency without context.
Say Instead:
Be clear about timelines: “Can you send this by 3 PM today?” or “Please get this done by the end of the day.”
11. "Whatever you think"
Why You Should Stop:
While meant to show flexibility, this phrase often communicates disinterest or lack of leadership. It can frustrate people who are looking to you for a decision.
Say Instead:
Offer specific input: “I trust your input on this, but I’d prefer Option B if possible.” It shows leadership while remaining open.
12. "Try"
Why You Should Stop:
“Try” implies you might not succeed or even follow through. It sounds non-committal: “I’ll try to get that done” lacks responsibility.
Say Instead:
Say “I will,” “I’m working on it,” or “It’ll be ready by 5 PM.” Even if obstacles arise, your proactive tone inspires confidence.
13. "It’s not my job"
Why You Should Stop:
Even if true, this phrase sounds defensive and unhelpful. It can damage your reputation, especially in team settings.
Say Instead:
If a task isn’t your responsibility, try: “Let me connect you with the right person,” or “I’ll check who can handle this.” You’re still setting boundaries, but in a solution-oriented way.
14. "You guys"
Why You Should Stop:
In professional settings — especially with clients or diverse groups — “you guys” can be seen as too casual or gender-biased.
Say Instead:
Use “everyone,” “team,” or the person’s name. Example: “Does everyone agree?” or “How does your team feel about this?”
15. "That’s impossible"
Why You Should Stop:
This phrase shuts down creative thinking. Even if something is unlikely or difficult, saying it’s “impossible” makes you look rigid and close-minded.
Say Instead:
Try: “That may be difficult, but let’s explore alternatives,” or “Here’s what would need to happen to make that work.”
16. "But" after a compliment
Why You Should Stop:
“I like your idea, but…” completely erases the compliment. The word “but” signals that what comes before doesn’t really matter.
Say Instead:
Use “and.” Example: “I like your idea, and I’d like to add one more element.” It feels more collaborative.
17. "Hopefully"
Why You Should Stop:
Hope is not a strategy. “Hopefully the report will be done by Friday” sounds passive and uncertain.
Say Instead:
Say: “The report will be done by Friday.” If something might delay it, explain proactively: “We’re targeting Friday, but waiting on input from the finance team.”
18. "I’m no expert, but..."
Why You Should Stop:
This phrase undermines your authority. If you're contributing an idea, don't weaken it before you've even shared it.
Say Instead:
If you need to acknowledge limits, say: “Based on what I’ve seen...” or “From my experience...” Then confidently share your insight.
19. "We’ve always done it this way"
Why You Should Stop:
This statement shows resistance to change. In business, innovation is critical. Holding on to old ways without reason makes you look outdated.
Say Instead:
Try: “Here’s why we’ve done it this way in the past, but I’m open to better solutions.” That shows adaptability.
20. Buzzwords that mean nothing
Words like:
Synergy
Leverage
Paradigm shift
Low-hanging fruit
Think outside the box
These terms are often overused to the point of meaninglessness. They can make you sound like you’re trying too hard or just copying corporate jargon.
Say Instead:
Use plain, clear language. Say:
“Let’s collaborate” instead of “synergy”
“Use our strengths” instead of “leverage”
“Easy wins” instead of “low-hanging fruit”
Simplicity breeds clarity — and clarity builds trust.
Why Language Matters in Business
Every word you say or write sends a message — about who you are, what you know, and how you lead. In a world overflowing with content and communication, people tune out anything that sounds generic, confusing, or untrustworthy.
But when you speak clearly, directly, and confidently, people listen.
You close deals more easily.
You gain respect faster.
You lead more effectively.
You grow your business with intention.
Final Thoughts
The words we use shape how others perceive us — and how we perceive ourselves. If you want to succeed in business, master your language. Cut out the words and phrases that weaken your voice and replace them with ones that command attention, inspire trust, and demonstrate authority.
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