If You Want To Sound More Confident, Stop Saying These Things
Start writing a post
Student Life

If You Want To Sound More Confident, Stop Saying These Things

I can be a nice person to work with, professional, and respectful, without putting myself or my ideas down.

53
If You Want To Sound More Confident, Stop Saying These Things

This goes out to all the people that don't feel as confident as they want to be when they're in social settings. I'm the type of person that can assert themselves, but I plan on going into the legal field, and as a woman and as a person of color, I will constantly be swimming upstream. I've been trying to be more intentional with my language and I want to stop using "soft" phrases, where I put disclaimers at the beginning of my sentences, or add filler words. I'm done. For far too long, women are told to be "nice" and that we'll "catch more flies with honey than vinegar." I can be completely professional, respectful, and a nice person to work with, without putting myself or my ideas down. So, here are some things I'm trying not to say in school and in real life.

"I Don't Think This Is Right, But..." or "This Is Just My Opinion, But..."

media.giphy.com

I'm totally guilty of this. I put a disclaimer at the beginning of a sentence because I don't want to offend someone or say the wrong thing. But, if I know what I'm talking about, I shouldn't have to put a disclaimer. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong and I'll learn from it.

"Like", "So", or "Umm".

media.giphy.com

These are filler words and I use them when I can't think of what to say next, or when I've lost my train of thought. I think they're unavoidable at times, but being cognizant of when I use them, can help me use them a little bit less.

"You Get It Right?" or "Does That Make Sense?"

media.giphy.com

This implies that you need external validation or that you need people to agree with you. When I'm speaking to a person that presumably knows more than me, like a professor, or a TA, I use these phrases because I'm uncomfortable and I want the validation, and I think that's fine. When I'm among my classmates, I'm trying not to use the phrases because we all presumably know the same amount of material; we're equals.

Trailing Off...

media.giphy.com

This happens to me when I've made a good point, but I don't think I've spoken enough or given ample details, so I try to add on, but I've made my point and I don't need to keep talking. So, I'm trying to end on a high note or a question to bounce back to a professor or a classmate to keep the discussion going, so no one has to awkwardly pick the conversation back up.

"Sorry."

media.giphy.com

This is the number one thing I'm trying not to say, when I don't mean it. I want people to know that I value and respect their time and input; but I often forget that they should also do the same for me. I say sorry whenever I think I've wronged someone, even slightly, like making them wait for 5 minutes. I'm trying to thank people for their time instead.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58515
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37710
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959300
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194020
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments