You walk into a meeting with a good idea. You’ve prepped. You’ve practised. You’ve even had that strong coffee with the oat milk you like. But when it comes to speaking up, your words fall flat.“I might have something to add…” “I’m just a bit worried about the direction…” “I should probably say something here…”Suddenly, that rock-solid confidence you had in your head has gone a bit wobbly. Like a three-legged table on a tiled floor.What happened?More often than not, it’s not you… It’s your language.Yes, really.As a professional speaker and communication coach, I’ve helped thousands of professionals and coaches unlock next-level confidence and one thing I see time and time again? It’s not the big statements or grand speeches that hold people back. It’s the small words. The sneaky ones that slide into our sentences without us noticing, yet quietly chip away at how confident we sound (and feel).In this post, I’m going to walk you through 5 common words that are quietly killing your confidence, and more importantly, what to say instead.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" progressbarcolor="white" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XHCoNZSwyhg" start="0"></iframe></div><h1 id="26e85a12-f5e4-49cf-8433-2dddcebe2148" data-toc-id="26e85a12-f5e4-49cf-8433-2dddcebe2148">Why Language Matters More Than You Think</h1>Before we dive into the list, here’s why this stuff matters:Every time you speak, you're doing more than just relaying information. You’re shaping how others see you and how you see yourself.Language doesn’t just reflect confidence. It creates it.Think of it this way: the moment your words sound uncertain, your brain goes, “Oh, we’re not sure about this? Okay then, I’ll dial things down.”But when your language is clear, direct, and decisive your brain kicks in differently. You sound more confident, and you feel more confident. Others notice too.So, if you’ve ever found yourself shrinking in a room full of people, or replaying a conversation thinking, “I should’ve said that differently…” this post is for you.Let’s talk about the five words you’ll want to watch out for.<h1 id="2f3b450a-964c-46d0-a27c-3e8280d5277b" data-toc-id="2f3b450a-964c-46d0-a27c-3e8280d5277b">1. “Might” – The Uncommitted Culprit</h1>You’re pitching an idea, and you say, “I might be able to work on that.”Even if you can, even if you’re ready to go, that one word ‘might’ throws it all into question.It’s like going to a job interview and saying, “I might be the right fit.” You’ve already weakened your own case.Try this instead: “I can take that on.” “I’ll start working on that this week.” Or even a confident no: “That’s not a priority for me right now.”Remember: clarity builds trust. Doubt doesn’t.<h1 id="171699c4-f935-476b-ac8d-3a0ba97b7d2b" data-toc-id="171699c4-f935-476b-ac8d-3a0ba97b7d2b">2. “Usually” – The Quiet Justifier</h1>Picture this: you’re halfway through a glazed doughnut, and someone walks in. You say, “I usually don’t eat this kind of thing…”We do this more than we realise, explaining our choices, softening our edges, trying to look like we’ve got it all together.But here’s the truth: confident people don’t feel the need to justify their every move.Say it with certainty: “I fancied a doughnut, so I had one.” End of story.Confidence is found in simplicity, not in explaining your every action.<h1 id="06a11d0f-6c5b-436b-a6ed-28739880bdb3" data-toc-id="06a11d0f-6c5b-436b-a6ed-28739880bdb3">3. “Impossible” – The Full Stop to Progress</h1>How many times have you looked at something challenging and said, “That’s impossible”?Maybe it was a project deadline. Maybe it was speaking up in front of 50 people. Or maybe it was that IKEA flat-pack that seemed to require an engineering degree.When you label something as “impossible,” your brain hits a dead end. It stops trying.But when you change your language, you change your access to solutions.Try this instead: “That’s challenging, but I’m figuring it out.” “I haven’t worked it out yet.” Keep the door open, possibility thrives there.<h1 id="fe84455d-2c4f-448f-b332-566d549a9e20" data-toc-id="fe84455d-2c4f-448f-b332-566d549a9e20">4. “Worried” – The Emotional Tripwire</h1>Let’s say you’re about to deliver a big presentation. You’re asked how you’re feeling, and you respond: “I’m just really worried about it.”Now everyone around you is worried too.Language like this doesn’t just affect you, it affects your whole team, your audience, your colleagues.And sure, nerves are normal. But there’s a better way to express them.Try this instead: “I’m getting ready.” “I’m preparing my thoughts.” “I’m focused on doing my best.”Replace fear with focus. Let others borrow from your calm, not your chaos.<h1 id="94a2298c-5f80-4d2f-a769-c76674d1bf55" data-toc-id="94a2298c-5f80-4d2f-a769-c76674d1bf55">5. “Likely” – The Vague Promise</h1>Ever had someone tell you, “I’ll likely call you tomorrow”?Yeah, they’re not calling.“Likely” is the verbal equivalent of shrugging. It doesn’t inspire trust or belief.Whether it’s in business, leadership or coaching, specificity is your superpower.Be precise or say nothing: “I’ll call you tomorrow at 3pm.” “I’ll email the deck before Friday.”Precision shows professionalism. Vagueness shows doubt.<h1 id="62421a93-9735-4a84-b765-215a7e25bb82" data-toc-id="62421a93-9735-4a84-b765-215a7e25bb82">BONUS WORD: “Should” – The Guilt Trip Word</h1>This one’s a favourite among high achievers.“I should go to the gym.” “I should have spoken up.” “I should know this by now…”Here’s the thing “should” sounds like guilt dressed up as motivation. It rarely gets us moving. More often, it just leaves us feeling bad.Instead, reframe it: “I choose to…” “I want to…” “I plan to…”You’re not a robot programmed by obligation. You’re a human with choices.<h1 id="2b6e6afc-8c02-4228-a475-3c3ccd0a8363" data-toc-id="2b6e6afc-8c02-4228-a475-3c3ccd0a8363">So, What’s the Real Fix?</h1>You don’t need to rewrite your vocabulary overnight. But what you can do is start catching these sneaky little confidence-killers as they pop up.<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Notice when you use them.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pause.</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Choose something better.</li></ul>With a bit of awareness and some simple swaps, you’ll be shocked at how quickly your communication sharpens and how differently people respond to you.More certainty. More clarity. More you being seen, heard and taken seriously.<h1 id="cdd9d5dc-3669-4ffd-9e06-2cfde72a6be0" data-toc-id="cdd9d5dc-3669-4ffd-9e06-2cfde72a6be0">Want to Know Where Your Confidence Is Leaking?</h1>Here’s something that can help:<h1 id="7bfbb1fe-a16c-429f-82a4-a902fddb6932" data-toc-id="7bfbb1fe-a16c-429f-82a4-a902fddb6932">🎯 FREE RESOURCE: The Confidence Rating Worksheet</h1>Ever feel like your confidence is solid in some areas but crumbles in others?You’re not the only one.I’ve created a quick (and completely free) Confidence Rating Worksheet to help professionals like you get a snapshot of exactly where your confidence is strong and where it’s quietly letting you down.Inside this worksheet, you’ll:✅ Identify your biggest confidence strengths ✅ Spot hidden patterns that weaken how you show up ✅ Get clear on where to focus next to boost your confidenceIt takes less than 5 minutes but the clarity it gives? Game-changing.👉 Click here to grab your free Confidence Rating Worksheet<h1 id="79a138e7-f764-4edb-853b-367660179b5b" data-toc-id="79a138e7-f764-4edb-853b-367660179b5b">Let’s Stay Connected</h1>If you’ve found this helpful and want more tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and practical tools, let’s connect!📸 Instagram:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/anthonylayespeaks"> @anthonylayespeaks </a>📺 YouTube:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@anthonylaye"> @anthonylaye </a>🌐 Website:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.anthonylaye.com"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.anthonylaye.com">www.anthonylaye.com</a><h1 id="6fa10684-5c8f-456d-bd34-01ceea228988" data-toc-id="6fa10684-5c8f-456d-bd34-01ceea228988">Ready to Build Unshakable Confidence and Communication Skills?</h1>For businesses looking to sharpen their team’s communication skills, or for event organisers looking for an engaging, down-to-earth speaker… I’m here to help.As a keynote speaker and executive coach, I support professionals, leaders and coaches who are ready to live a life beyond the ordinary.With the right tools, training, and mindset, we can dial up your team’s confidence, clarity, and connection, whether that’s in the boardroom, on stage, or across your next video call.🔹 Book me for your next team training or speaking engagement 🔹 Or join my mastermind programme if you’re ready to master communication and build next-level self-belief👉 Visit<a target="_blank" href="https://www.anthonylaye.com"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.anthonylaye.com">www.anthonylaye.com</a> to find out more and get in touch.<h1 id="62e0095f-31bd-48ad-87e4-8d316734656e" data-toc-id="62e0095f-31bd-48ad-87e4-8d316734656e">Final Thought</h1>You already have the potential. You just need to stop letting your words get in the way.

Every time you speak, you're doing more than just relaying information. You’re shaping how others see you and how you see yourself.

Communication Skills: 5 Words That Kill Your Confidence

1. “Might” – The Uncommitted Culprit

3. “Impossible” – The Full Stop to Progress

4. “Worried” – The Emotional Tripwire

BONUS WORD: “Should” – The Guilt Trip Word

Want to Know Where Your Confidence Is Leaking?

🎯 FREE RESOURCE: The Confidence Rating Worksheet

Ready to Build Unshakable Confidence and Communication Skills?

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

Communication Skills: 5 Words That Kill Your Confidence

Communication Skills: 5 Words That Kill Your Confidence

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