7 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent (and what to say instead)

From the Personal Branding Blog

Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back?

I know I have.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that certain phrases, while seemingly harmless, can instantly make someone sound less intelligent, less confident, or even less credible.

The frustrating part? Most of us don’t even realize we’re using them.

Small tweaks in language can make a huge difference in how we come across. With this in mind, we’re breaking down seven common phrases that can subtly undermine your intelligence—and what to say instead.

Let’s get into ‘em. 

1) “I’m not a _________, but…”

We’ve all heard (or maybe even said) something like:

• “I’m not a doctor, but you should really stop eating gluten.”
• “I’m not a lawyer, but that contract looks sketchy.”

Here’s the problem—starting with “I’m not a [qualified expert], but…” immediately weakens whatever follows. It signals that you’re about to give an opinion on something you’re not entirely sure about, making you sound less credible from the start.

A better approach? If you have relevant experience, just share it. If you’re unsure, ask a question instead of making a shaky statement.

For example:

Instead of “I’m not a mechanic, but I think it’s your alternator,” try “I had a similar issue, and it turned out to be the alternator. Might be worth checking out.”

It’s a small shift, but it makes a big difference in how confident and knowledgeable you sound.

2) “To be honest…”

Here’s a phrase that I’m guilty of using more often than I’d like to admit. It seems innocent enough, right? 

Usually, we use “to be honest” to preface a statement that might be a little uncomfortable or that goes against the grain.

However, this phrase can inadvertently make you appear less intelligent and trustworthy. Why? Because it implies that you’re not always honest. It raises the question, “Aren’t you being honest all the time?”

I remember once, during a crucial business meeting, I found myself saying, “To be honest, I think we should reconsider our marketing strategy.” The moment those words left my mouth, I could see the subtle shift in my colleagues’ expressions.

Instead of adding weight to my suggestion, it seemed to raise doubts about my credibility. It was a wake-up call for me to be more mindful of my language.

So, instead of saying “to be honest,” just state your opinion. Your honesty should come across through your consistent authenticity and integrity, not through a phrase that can subtly undermine it.

3) “Like, um, you know…”

Filler words and phrases such as “like”, “um”, and “you know” can easily creep into our everyday conversations. 

They might seem insignificant but experts say that individuals who frequently use filler words are perceived as less intelligent. These verbal crutches can distract from your message and give the impression that you’re uncertain or unprepared.

While it’s natural to use some filler words, particularly when thinking on your feet, being mindful of their frequency and striving for clear, concise communication can significantly enhance your perceived intelligence. 

It’s all about finding the right balance and ensuring that your words reflect your true potential.

4) “It’s not fair…”

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We’ve all found ourselves in situations where we feel hard done by or disadvantaged. It’s natural to want to express our frustrations and, often, “It’s not fair” becomes our go-to phrase.

However, regularly resorting to this phrase can make you sound less intelligent. It gives the impression that you view life through a lens of entitlement, expecting everything to always go your way.

Moreover, it suggests a lack of problem-solving skills. Instead of focusing on how to overcome the challenge at hand, you’re focusing on the perceived unfairness of the situation.

5) “Does that make sense?”

At first glance, this phrase seems harmless—maybe even polite. After all, you’re just checking in to make sure the other person understands, right?

The problem is that “Does that make sense?” can unintentionally make you sound unsure of yourself. Instead of reinforcing your point, it suggests that what you just said might have been unclear or confusing. 

Worse, it puts the burden on the listener to confirm that you’re making sense, which can subtly undermine your authority.

A better way to phrase it? Try:

• “Let me know if you’d like me to clarify anything.”

• “I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.”

These alternatives keep the door open for discussion without making you seem unsure of your own words. Small shift, big impact.

6) “I could be wrong, but…”

This phrase might seem like a humble way to introduce an opinion, but in reality, it instantly weakens whatever follows. 

When you say “I could be wrong, but…”, you’re essentially telling the listener to take your words with a grain of salt—before you’ve even made your point.

It signals a lack of confidence, even if what you’re saying is completely valid. Instead of preemptively doubting yourself, just state your opinion clearly. If you’re uncertain, there are better ways to acknowledge that without undermining your credibility.

For example, instead of “I could be wrong, but I think the deadline is next Tuesday,” say “I believe the deadline is next Tuesday. Let’s double-check to be sure.”

This way, you sound confident while still leaving room for verification. It’s a small tweak, but it makes a big difference in how others perceive you.

7) *Overly formal language

Okay, so I know this isn’t exactly a single phrase, but it’s just as important.

Have you ever heard someone say something like:

• “Per my last correspondence, I would like to inquire about the status of the aforementioned deliverables.”
• “One must endeavor to ascertain the validity of such claims before proceeding further.”

It sounds stiff, unnatural, and, ironically, less intelligent. Overly formal language can make you seem robotic or even like you’re trying too hard. 

Of course, you should always adjust your tone based on the situation, but in most cases, clear, natural speech is far more effective.

Instead of “Per my last correspondence,” say “Just following up on my last email.”

Instead of “One must endeavor to ascertain,” say “We should check to be sure.”

Speaking simply doesn’t make you sound less intelligent—it makes you sound more confident and trustworthy.

Words matter: Choose wisely

The way we speak has a huge impact on how others perceive us—often more than we realize. Small shifts in language can make the difference between sounding uncertain and sounding intelligent, between seeming unsure and seeming confident.

By cutting out these common phrases, you’re not just improving how others see you—you’re strengthening the way you see yourself.

Words matter. And the way you use them can either hold you back or push you forward.

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