Workplace Language Upgrades: Speak with Confidence
Workplace Language Upgrades: Speak with Confidence
Speaking clearly is only one aspect of effective communication; while others include connecting, persuading, and making the correct impression. The words you use are important whether you’re communicating through email, a meeting, or a brief conversation.
- Use “I believe” instead of “I think.”
Why? It conveys the ownership of your concept and sounds more certain.
For instance: “I believe this strategy will help us save time.”
- Use “Could you please…?” instead of “Can you…?”
Why? It’s courteous but clear.
For instance: “Could you please send me the current report?”
- Use “Thank you for your patience” instead of “Sorry for the delay.”
Why? It changes a negative tone into a positive one.
For instance: “Thank you for your patience while I worked on this.”
- Use “I’ll find out and get back to you” instead of “I don’t know.”
Why? shows you’re initiative, not clueless.
For instance: “I’ll find out and get back to you by tomorrow.”
- Use “You’re welcome” instead of “No problem.”
Why? It sounds more precise and professional.
For instance: “You’re welcome, happy to help.”
- Use “Could we prioritise this?” instead of “I need this now.”
Why? maintains urgency without being demanding.
For instance: “Could we prioritise this task for today?”
- Use “As mentioned earlier” instead of “Like I said.”
Why? Avoid being offensive or dissatisfied
For instance: “The deadline is Friday, as mentioned earlier.”
- Use “Let me connect you with the right person” instead of “That’s not my job.”
Why? Maintains professionalism while redirecting.
For instance: “Let me connect you with the right person for this request.”
Replace informal language with courteous, understandable, and cooperative expressions.
Good communication builds trust, but Great communication creates opportunity.