11 Words Making You Sound Unconfident

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Alright, before we get started, let’s just admit something:

We all have little words we lean on when we’re nervous, unsure, or trying to sound “nicer.”

The problem?

Those tiny words can chip away at the confidence we’re trying so hard to project.

Today, we’re going to walk through 11 sneaky confidence killers — and see how you can swap them out for something stronger.

No judgment here. Just some easy wins you can start using right away!

Let’s get into it.

 

1. “Just” 

“Just” is one of those words that sneaks into our speech without us even noticing. It feels harmless — even polite — but it often weakens what we’re trying to say.

When you say things like “I just wanted to check in” or “I’m just wondering,” you sound like you’re minimizing your own importance.

You’re acting like you’re an interruption, not someone with a valid point or question. ?

Of course, it’s natural to want to sound polite. But you can be polite without downplaying yourself — and trust me, people notice the difference.

Quick Test

Say your sentence without “just” and see how it feels:

• Instead of: “I just think we should…”
  Say: “I think we should…”
• Instead of: “Just checking if you saw my email”
  Say: “Checking if you saw my email.”

Feels stronger, right? Still friendly, but way more confident.

It’s fine to leave “just” in occasionally for tone. (We’re human, after all. ?)
But if you find yourself sprinkling it into every email or conversation, it might be time to cut back.

✨ Your ideas deserve to stand tall — no shrinking language required.

 

2. “Actually” 

“Actually” is a word that feels like it adds authority — but in practice, it often undermines you.

When you say things like “Actually, I think…” or “Actually, we could try…”, it sounds like you’re surprised you have something valuable to say. ?
It can even sound slightly defensive, like you’re expecting someone to doubt you.

Most of the time, your idea will land stronger without it.

Quick Test

Try dropping “actually” from your next sentence:

• Instead of: “Actually, that might work better.”
  Say: “That might work better.”
• Instead of: “Actually, I have a suggestion.”
  Say: “I have a suggestion.”

You’ll notice the difference immediately — your words feel more direct and assured.

Of course, there are moments when “actually” fits — like if you’re politely correcting a mistake (“Actually, the meeting is at 3 PM, not 2.”).

But most of the time? It’s just extra padding that softens your impact.

Pro tip:
When you’re confident in what you’re saying, you don’t need to announce it with an “actually.”

You just say it.

 

3. “Sorry” (When You’re Not) 

“Sorry” is a powerful word — when you actually need to use it.
But apologizing for things that don’t require an apology?
That’s one of the fastest ways to sound less confident.

When you say things like “Sorry to bother you” or “Sorry, can I ask a quick question?”, you’re framing your very existence as a problem. ?
And chances are, you’re not bothering anyone at all!

Quick Test

Try cleaning up your wording a little:

• Instead of: “Sorry to ask this…”
  Say: “Can I ask a question?”
• Instead of: “Sorry for the email…”
  Say: “Following up on my email.”

✅ You still sound polite — but you also sound like you belong.

Of course, real mistakes deserve real apologies. If you missed a deadline or caused confusion, own it. That’s leadership.
But don’t apologize just for speaking, asking, or existing.

Pro tip:
If you catch yourself typing “sorry,” pause and ask yourself: Am I actually apologizing for something wrong?
If not, reframe it with gratitude instead: “Thanks for your time!” feels 10x stronger than “Sorry for bothering you.”

 

4. “Maybe” 

“Maybe” is one of those words that feels safe — but it often makes you sound unsure about your own ideas.

When you say things like “Maybe we could try this” or “Maybe it’s a good idea,” you’re inviting people to doubt you before they even hear you out.

You’re basically saying, “Here’s an idea… but don’t take it too seriously.” ?

Quick Test

Watch how the tone changes when you remove “maybe”:

• Instead of: “Maybe we should look at another option.”
  Say: “We should look at another option.”
• Instead of: “Maybe it’s worth a try.”
  Say: “It’s worth a try.”

See? Same idea, 10x more confident.

Of course, sometimes “maybe” has its place — if you’re genuinely presenting a soft suggestion and want to keep it low-pressure.
But if you’re sharing a serious idea, lead with strength, not hesitation.

Pro tip:
When in doubt, state your recommendation clearly first, then invite feedback.

Example: “I recommend trying this. What are your thoughts?”

You’re still open-minded — but now you sound like a leader, not a guesser.

 

5. “Kind of” 

“Kind of” is one of those little phrases that feels casual — but it can seriously blur your message.

When you say things like “I kind of agree” or “That’s kind of important,” you’re watering down whatever comes next.

It sounds like you’re half-in, half-out — and that uncertainty sticks with your listener. ?

Quick Test

Watch how much sharper things sound when you ditch it:

• Instead of: “I kind of agree with you.”
  Say: “I agree with you.”
• Instead of: “That’s kind of a problem.”
  Say: “That’s a problem.”

You still leave room for nuance if you need it — but you aren’t accidentally undercutting your own point.

When It’s Okay ✅

Sometimes “kind of” can set a deliberate soft tone. (“It’s kind of chilly today.”)

But when you’re trying to convince, persuade, or lead, it makes you sound unsure.

Pro tip:
If you find yourself about to say “kind of,” ask yourself:
Am I trying to be polite, or am I just scared to commit?
If it’s fear, cut it. Your ideas are worth standing behind.

 

 

6. “I feel like” 

“I feel like” sounds harmless at first — even a little warm and friendly.

But when you’re making a fact-based point, leading with “I feel like” can undermine your authority. ?

Instead of presenting your ideas with clarity, you make them sound like personal emotions — which can cause people to take them less seriously.

Quick Test ?

Look at these examples:

• Instead of: “I feel like this strategy won’t work.”
  Say: “This strategy won’t work.”
• Instead of: “I feel like we need more data.”
  Say: “We need more data.”

Feels stronger already, right? You’re owning your insight instead of couching it as a vague feeling.

When It’s Okay ✅

Of course, when you really are talking about feelings, “I feel like” is perfectly fine. (“I feel like this project is exciting!”)

But if you’re making an argument, a recommendation, or a judgment call, you want to sound decisive, not emotional.

Pro tip:
If you catch yourself starting with “I feel like,” ask:
Is this a feeling — or a conclusion?
If it’s a conclusion, state it with strength.

Your thoughts are valuable. Present them that way. ?

 

7. “I think” 

“I think” is one of those phrases that seems polite — but if you use it too often, it can undercut your ideas without you realizing it.

When you constantly say things like “I think we should…” or “I think this will work,” you’re making your point sound optional — like it’s just a casual thought rather than a strong recommendation. ?‍?️

Quick Test

Here’s how much stronger it sounds when you skip it:

• Instead of: “I think we need a new plan.”
  Say: “We need a new plan.”
• Instead of: “I think this timeline is too tight.”
  Say: “This timeline is too tight.”

You don’t have to announce that you’re thinking — people already know it’s your opinion!

When It’s Okay ✅

Of course, if you’re offering a suggestion and want to keep it low-pressure, “I think” has its place.

But when you’re trying to lead or persuade, be direct.

? Pro tip:
Use “I think” sparingly — like a seasoning, not the main ingredient.
If you’re confident, show it in your language.

People trust speakers who sound sure of themselves. ?

 

8. “I’m no expert, but…” 

This one might feel humble — but it’s a confidence killer in disguise.

When you say “I’m no expert, but…”, you’re basically telling people not to trust what you’re about to say. ?

Even if your idea is smart and well-informed, you’ve already planted doubt in their minds.

Quick Test

Watch how much stronger it sounds without the disclaimer:

• Instead of: “I’m no expert, but this could work.”
  Say: “This could work.”
• Instead of: “I’m no expert, but I recommend…”
  Say: “I recommend…”

✅ No apology. No excuse. Just the idea, standing on its own two feet.

Why We Say It

A lot of people use this phrase because they’re trying to be polite, modest, or avoid sounding arrogant.

But real confidence isn’t about acting like you know everything. It’s about sharing your thoughts clearly, even when you know you’re still learning.

Pro tip:
Instead of disclaiming your ideas, own your current knowledge level.

If necessary, you can always add real clarity:

“Based on what I know so far, I recommend…”

(See? Still humble — but without sabotaging yourself.)

 

9. “Hopefully” 

“Hopefully” sounds positive — but it can weaken your message when you’re trying to sound decisive.

When you say things like “Hopefully, it will be done by Friday” or “Hopefully, this plan works,” you’re giving off the vibe that you’re not in control.

It makes you sound like you’re crossing your fingers rather than making things happen. ?

Quick Test

Look at the difference when you tighten it up:

• Instead of: “Hopefully, we can finish this today.”
  Say: “We can finish this today.”
• Instead of: “Hopefully, this solves the problem.”
  Say: “This solves the problem.”

✅ No uncertainty. Just clear, confident language.

When It’s Okay ✅

If you’re genuinely talking about something out of your control — like the weather — “hopefully” is fine.

But if you’re talking about your own actions or plans? Drop it.

? Pro tip:
Confidence is contagious. When you speak like you expect success, people are more likely to believe in it too.

Don’t leave your ideas hanging in the air — anchor them with strong words.

 

10. “I’ll try”

“I’ll try” might sound responsible — but it often signals doubt instead of commitment.

When you say things like “I’ll try to finish it today” or “I’ll try to call them,” you’re building in an excuse before you’ve even started.

It gives the impression that you’re already unsure you’ll succeed. ?

Quick Test

Here’s how much stronger it sounds with a small tweak:

• Instead of: “I’ll try to send it today.”
  Say: “I’ll send it today.”
• Instead of: “I’ll try to fix that issue.”
  Say: “I’ll fix that issue.”

✅ You sound committed — not wishy-washy.

When It’s Okay ✅

Of course, sometimes conditions are outside your control.

In those cases, be specific:

“I’ll send it today unless I hear otherwise from the client.”

Clear, direct, no false promises.

Pro tip:
Confidence isn’t about pretending you can do everything — it’s about owning what you are committing to.

When you replace “I’ll try” with “I will,” you sound reliable and decisive — two qualities everyone respects. ?

 

11. “Does that make sense?” 

“Does that make sense?” feels polite — but it can accidentally sound insecure.

When you end a point by asking “Does that make sense?”, you’re hinting that you’re unsure you explained it well enough. ?

Even if your explanation was perfectly clear, this question plants a tiny seed of doubt.

Quick Test

Watch how differently it sounds when you tweak it:

• Instead of: “We should update the schedule. Does that make sense?”
  Say: “We should update the schedule. Let me know if you have any questions.”
• Instead of: “This is the plan. Does that make sense?”
  Say: “Here’s the plan. Happy to clarify anything if needed.”

✅ You’re still inviting discussion — but you’re assuming clarity, not apologizing for confusion.

When It’s Okay ✅

If you’re teaching something brand new or highly technical, it’s fine to check in.

But even then, try stronger phrasing:

“Is there anything you’d like me to explain further?”

Pro tip:
Confidence isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about speaking clearly — and trusting your listener to ask if they need more.

You’re not just making sense.

You’re making an impact. ?

 

How Real Confidence Sounds

Here’s the real magic:

You don’t need to shout, or pound your fist on a table, or use ten-dollar words to sound confident.

You just need to speak clearly and directly — no constant softeners, no self-undermining.

Small edits. Big results.

(And if you catch yourself saying “just” again? No worries. Quietly delete it and move on. Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about how you handle the little moments.)