We all want to come across as intelligent and confident, but sometimes the words we choose can work against us.
You might be surprised to learn that certain phrases, ones you’ve probably heard (and maybe even used) countless times, can subtly chip away at how others perceive your intelligence.
These aren’t just innocent quirks—they’re habits that can cloud your message and make you sound less informed, even when you know your stuff.
Imagine you’re in a meeting, confidently presenting your ideas, and then you drop, “I’m not a rocket scientist, but…” or casually toss in “like, you know.”
Suddenly, you’ve created a tiny crack in your credibility, a pause in the room where respect might’ve slipped.
People might not even notice it consciously, but these phrases can leave a lasting impression.
In this post, we’re digging into 10 common phrases that secretly make you sound less intelligent and what to say instead to come across as sharper, more articulate, and ultimately more respected.
Drop “irregardless” and “I could care less” from your vocabulary and replace them with alternatives that help you make a better impression.
Because sometimes, sounding smart is as simple as saying the right thing. Ready to elevate your language?
1. “I’M NOT A ROCKET SCIENTIST, BUT…”
Self-deprecation can be charming in small doses, but when it’s done at the expense of your own abilities, it can seriously undermine your perceived intelligence.
By saying, “I’m not a rocket scientist, but…”, you’re sending a message that you lack confidence in your own thoughts or capabilities.
Psychologists emphasize that self-assurance plays a crucial role in how others perceive us.
Instead of selling yourself short, try rephrasing this as, “I’m not an expert, but here’s my perspective.”
This allows you to acknowledge that you may not have specialized knowledge while still projecting confidence in your thoughts.
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