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.
Your post is a valuable reminder that communication is more than just sharing the the message with people, it’s more about how we make others feel with our way of communication. I really like way how you conveyed this message with the simple word choices that helps to show the confidence, courtesy, and professionalism. For examples, saying “I believe” instead of “I think” or “Thank you for your patience” instead of “Sorry for the delay” can completely change the tone of our interactions with others.
Great communication isn’t just about giving better clarity, it’s about building human connection, and these examples show how language can help us build stronger relationships while maintaining mutual respect.