My speech coaching clients frequently hear me say, “Are you going to do it, or kind of do it? Remember, you do not kind of or sort of do anything.”
Even seasoned executives who should know better use these weak words and phrases. Often, they’re trying to sound modest or approachable. Unfortunately, what actually happens is the opposite—they lose power, clarity, and credibility in both conversations and presentations.
What Are Speech Qualifiers?
Speech qualifiers are words and phrases that soften or weaken what we say. You know them well: “kind of,” “sort of,” “maybe,” “probably,” “just,” “a little bit,” “try,” and “I think.”
They might sound harmless, even polite. But in leadership and sales, these words quietly chip away at your authority and your message.
1. They Undermine Your Credibility
When you say, “I kind of think we should move forward,” you may believe you’re being cautious. What your listeners hear is uncertainty. Leaders are expected to be clear, confident, and decisive.
In Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, I remind professionals that every time they speak, they are either enhancing or lowering their reputation. Qualifiers suggest you don’t fully believe in your own message—and that perception is costly.
Think about the leaders who inspire you most. They don’t hedge their ideas. They speak with clarity and purpose. Confidence builds trust; uncertainty erodes it.
2. They Diminish the Impact of Your Message
In business, clarity equals influence. “Maybe we could consider this approach”, sounds tentative. “Let’s explore this approach” communicates confidence and direction.
In sales conversations, this difference can make or break a deal. Clients buy certainty before they buy solutions. My NSA colleague, David Horsager, says in his book The Trust Edge, clarity and consistency are key pillars of trust. People trust what is clear. When your language is vague, your message loses its power to persuade.
3. They Distract and Dilute
Words like “just” or “a little bit” clutter your message. They pull attention away from your key ideas and make your delivery sound less professional.
In Fat and Skinny Words, I explain how great communicators know when to speak in “fat words” (the big-picture ideas) and when to use “skinny words” (the specifics). Qualifiers don’t fit either—they’re filler. Eliminate them, and suddenly your ideas sound sharper, your voice stronger, and your presence more commanding.
Why Weak Language Hurts Leadership and Sales
Every conversation you lead is a test of trust. Teams and clients decide whether to believe in you, follow you, or buy from you based on how confidently you communicate.
One executive I coached realized that his habitual use of “I think” and “maybe” made his recommendations sound optional. Once he replaced those with precise, assertive phrasing—“I recommend,” “The data confirms,” “We will”—everything changed. His presentations gained approval faster, and his peers described him as “decisive” and “executive.” He wasn’t new. He began speaking like the leader he already was.
How to Break the Habit
-
Record and Review Yourself. Notice how often you use qualifiers in meetings or presentations. Awareness is the first step.
-
Recruit Accountability Partners. Ask colleagues or friends to alert you when they catch a weak phrase. Make it a game.
-
Replace Weak with Strong.
-
“I think” → “I believe” or “I’m confident.”
-
“Maybe” → “We can” or “We will.”
-
“Just” → Delete it. You don’t need it.
-
-
Rehearse with Intention. As I tell my clients, rehearsal is where you build power. The more you practice strong, precise phrasing, the more natural it becomes.
The Payoff
When you speak without qualifiers, you sound more confident, more persuasive, and more authentic. You build credibility faster, make stronger impressions, and gain trust with every word.
You’ll find that people listen differently when you stop “kind of” doing anything and start speaking with conviction. Remember, clear communication isn’t just about sounding good—it’s about leading effectively and selling successfully.
The benefits of being known as an influential communicator are worth every ounce of effort.
Want to Strengthen Your Executive Presence and Speaking Impact?
If you are ready to speak with clarity, confidence, and credibility in every setting—from the boardroom to the virtual stage—explore FrippVT, my on-demand virtual training. Or, for personalized coaching that transforms your communication results, book time on my schedule.
You’ll discover exactly how to eliminate weak language, elevate your message, and sound like the powerful professional you truly are.
Imagine a training program that gives you 24/7 access to one of the most in-demand executive speech coaches and sales presentation experts. Fripp Virtual Training is designed to be immediately engaging, making learning fun. If you are a novice presenter or a seasoned professional, you will find the content both practical and relevant.
Sign up for your complimentary trial and discover how FrippVT can transform you and your team. FrippVT delivers high-calibre, comprehensive presentation and sales presentation skills training with built-in accountability.
“The information in FrippVT is as valuable as any college course I’ve taken. This is a resource that everyone needs. The investment is worth ten times more than I paid and has been life-changing. My fees, recommendations, and referrals have increased dramatically. I am delighted. For the first time in my speaking career, I know exactly what I am doing when I walk on stage. One technique in course 8 helped me win a highly-paid, international speech.” Mitzi Perdue, author of How to Make Your Family Business Last
Start with your audience, not your slides.
