tl;dr (too long, didnt read):
"Weasel words" like "just" and "maybe" kill your credibility. Replace apologetic language with assertive, declarative statements to project expertise.
Cut the ‘Just’ and ‘I Think’: How to Stop Weak Language and Speak with Authority
Speak Like a Pro: Eliminating Weak Language
If you want to be taken seriously as a professional voice for hire, you need to sound like one. That means kicking out the ‘weasel words.’ Words such as ‘just,’ ‘maybe,’ ‘I think,’ and ‘sort of’ are confidence killers. They sneak into your speech and make you sound tentative, even when you're an expert.
For example, instead of saying, "I just wanted to quickly go over this slide," try: "Let's review this key slide." See the difference? One is apologetic; the other is assertive.
The simple fix? Record yourself. Listen back and highlight every time you use a minimising word. Then, consciously replace it with a strong, declarative statement. Your voice is your instrument. Don't muffle its power with weak language. Speak with conviction, and your authority will be undeniable.
