Expert who has worked with Google and Facebook

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As a public speaking expert, I’ve spent more than a decade working with executives and leaders at large companies like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. My advice to them is always: Less is more.

Being too wordy dilutes your message and your presence. Instead of using weak filler words, silence is sometimes best; it allows you to stop and think, letting the audience process what you are saying.

To build trust, avoid these 11 words and phrases that make people question your credibility and respect you less:

1 one”

This is the most common crutch word. It suggests that you are unprepared, lack confidence, or don’t know what to say next.

2. “In all honesty”

People use “in all honesty” or “I won’t lie to you” to convey sincerity, even though it could read as the other way around.

The audience already knows that your intention is to tell the truth. Reiterating it will only make them question why you are trying to assure them of your honesty.

3. “I think”

This sentence makes you seem uncertain and unsure of what you are saying: it is not a fact, but a thought. If you know you’re presenting a well-researched topic, conduct it with confidence and conviction.

4. “Sort of”

“Kind of” is nearly impossible to measure. It leaves your listener in limbo because it weakens the impact of your message. Another phrase that has the same effect is “kind of”.

5 “Only”

I understand the fear of being bold. But using weak words like “just” downplays your message by making your statement seem less important.

6. “Like”

We’ve all heard it littered with lines: “So, like, I was thinking we could, like, start the session with a round of introductions.”

But, similar to “um” and “uh,” it makes you sound less prepared or less confident.

7. “I’m no expert, but”

When you use this phrase, you are directly undermining your own knowledge. In an effort to look cool and confident, you’re actually doing the opposite.

8. “In my opinion”

You obviously want to acknowledge differences of opinion and have respect for each other’s points of view. But going overboard can make you seem insecure or hesitant to take a strong stand.

9. “I’ll try”

Are you fully committed if you say you’ll try? Perhaps. But this statement makes you sound only partially engaged, or that you lack the confidence to complete the task at hand.

10. “I’m sorry, but”

When you overuse apologetic phrases, you can come across as weak or overly submissive.

And if you’re going to apologize, do it with conviction. Don’t qualify it with insincere filler words like “but.”

11. “Did it make sense?”

I’ve seen people say this after trying to explain something, but they didn’t feel like they did a good job. A better sentence would be: “I hope that makes sense.” Give people at least 15-30 seconds to digest, then ask if they have any questions.

Christina Helena is a public speaking expert, speech coach and TEDx speaker. With over a decade of experience, she has worked with clients at major companies including Google, Apple, Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow her on Instagram.

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