15 Things You’re Saying at Work That Make You Seem Insecure

There is a way insecurity can creep into our interactions with others, and we may not notice it. Even when people attempt to be humble or make some comment or other about themselves and their abilities, it can often sound insecure. Those around us may hear such phrases as self-negation and lack of confidence and may behave accordingly with someone who has no confidence in themselves. Being mindful of what we say can help us project more self-assurance and clarity. These common expressions may make you feel insecure, and you need to know how to change them to build stronger, more confident communication.

“I’m Not Sure If This Is Right”

Using the words “I’m not sure if this is right” before stating your conversation dampens whatever you are about to convey. It creates doubt, which affects the confidence and prospects of others adopting your point of view. However, you should go with your verdict and use a more affirmative start, such as, “This is what I understand” or “In my opinion.” You don’t have to apologize for your ideas before others even get a chance to process them.

“I Could Be Wrong”

The phrase, “I could be wrong,” provides doubt into your statement the moment you make it. While it is okay to admit you may have been wrong, its repetition comes off as though you lack confidence in your ability to make the right decision. A more helpful way to introduce it is to present an opinion and then go from there instead of inquiring. Some people make it safer to disagree by saying, instead of actively disagreeing, “That is my feeling” or “In my opinion,” which are acceptable while still being confident about the contribution.

“Does That Make Sense?”

Though rhetorical words like “Do you understand or does it make sense?” may seem polite and helpful, you are implying that you are unsure whether you have explained well. Sometimes, it may mean you are unsure of your ability to convey your message to the recipient. Instead, try saying, “Do you have anything you’d like to ask?” or “Can I hear your opinion?” This is quite useful as it shifts focus towards the other party without negating your explanation that goes with the statement.

“Sorry To Bother You”

Offering an apology before being asked to make a request is a clear sign of an insecure person. When you say, “Sorry to bother you,” you do not think your requirements or queries deserve your time or anyone else’s. Unlike the formal politeness of apologizing for anyone’s time wasted, explain what you want or ask what you need to know. For example, you can say, “Do you find the time to talk over this?” or What I wanted to ask about was This or That. This way, you make a positive impression that you are confident plus polite without overdoing the apology.

“This Might Sound Stupid”

Before letting others in on your idea, you dismiss it as something stupid, so they will likely do the same. It also expresses concern for how you will be judged, showing your insecurity. It is also useless to undercut your contributions and actively attempt to take ownership of your ideas. Meanwhile, phrases like “Let me give you my idea on this” or “This is how I’m thinking about this” are self-assertive and encourage criticism.

“Just My Opinion”

When you insert the term “Just” in front of the opinion, what you’re doing here is diluting the value of your opinion, that they don’t mean much. Everyone says everything is essential, and there is no need to belittle your view. A less aggressive manner of stating your opinion is to use words like, “I feel that” or “As far as I am concerned.” This mantles your thoughts so they are important enough to consider without necessarily making them look insignificant.

“I Don’t Know, What Do You Think?”

While it’s important to invite others’ input, the overuse of this phrase will make it appear as if you are insecure enough to change your opinion. Sometimes, in a conversation, it is a sign that you lack confidence in your decision-making or opinions. Rather than this, you could prescient your ideas and then put them aside for discussion. For instance, you can state, “This is how I see it; if that is not okay, I am ready to listen to other options.” This makes it clear that you stand for what you believe in and gives collaborators the signal that you appreciate their input as well.

“I’m No Expert”

If you begin any statement with something like “I’m no expert,” people will pay little attention to the next thing you have to say. Even if you’re not an expert in this field, you must rely on what you have learned. A better way to start making your claim is by saying, “In my opinion,” or “As far as I am concerned.” This enables you to contribute your wisdom so you can’t compromise on your input.

“I’m Probably Wrong”

It is a phrase that shows one does not believe in your thoughts. When you expect that you must be “probably wrong” in your opinion, you are forcing others to disregard your words. This is okay to say, yet too often, saying this makes it appear you do not have confidence in yourself. It is far better to respond with “Let me think it over,” or “Here is my reasoning in the point,” etc. This makes it possible for doubt to be created without swallowing your pride.

“I’m Not Very Good At This”

It can be seen by saying, “I don’t think I am very good at this,” before one tries to do something, indicating one lacks self-confidence. This is fatal because it tells people that you have set your goals to fail; thus, they will approach you along those lines. However, get into tasks with a more positive attitude. Try saying, “I am still learning it, but this is what I have done.” This makes sure that you illustrate that you can grow and advance without eroding yourself from the onset.

“I Don’t Really Deserve This”

Saying that you don’t deserve something, the opportunity given to you, the compliments received, or any form of appreciation clearly shows that you have a certain level of insecurity. It’s equally correct to learn how to take compliments and victories gracefully. Rather than underplaying your success, you may simply say, “Thank you, I have worked hard for this” or “I am glad for this recognition.” This also demonstrates self-assertion, self-evaluation, and self-reliance to do things independently.

“I’m Not Sure I Can Do This”

While expressing self-doubt is natural, repeatedly saying, “I’m not sure I can do this,” undermines your credibility and plants seeds of doubt in others’ minds. Instead of voicing uncertainty, try “I’m going to give this my best effort” or simply “I’ve got this.” Whether you believe it or not, your words have the ability to shape others’ perceptions and even your own confidence.

“I Hope This Works”

Saying “I hope this works” suggests you lack faith in your abilities. It signals to others that you are uncertain about the results and likely believe failure will be the outcome. Instead, replace this hesitant phrase with a more confident alternative like “I’ve planned this carefully” or “Let’s see the result.” reflects faith in your abilities rather than leaving success to chance doubts about your potential.

“I Don’t Want to Sound Pushy”

When you say, “I don’t want to sound pushy” before offering a suggestion, it can make you seem unsure or hesitant. This might cause others to think your idea isn’t that important. Instead, try saying something simple like, “I have a suggestion” or “I’d like to share an idea.” This approach shows that you respect the other person’s opinion while confidently sharing your thoughts.

“I Guess I’m Just Lucky”

Using the word “Luck,” especially when you do not want to take any credit for the good things that have happened in your projects or career, will make you look insecure. Although luck sometimes can play a role, it may not be entirely true not to acknowledge oneself. Instead of negating your success to fate, respond as: “Thank you for the opportunity” or “I have been deserving; hence the outcome is well deserved.” This retains respect for hard work and luck without taking away from achievement.

Words are powerful, and how we phrase things can reveal much about our inner confidence. Expressions like the ones listed above may seem harmless, but over time, they can project insecurity and self-doubt to those around us. Replacing these insecure phrases with more assertive and positive words will change how people treat you and how you feel about yourself. It means that when there is a situation, it does not mean that you have lost all confidence; instead, it means that you should have confidence in yourself and your capabilities, irrespective of what lies ahead.

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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.