Weak Language When Presenting is Sort of a Problem

We deliberately used an example of that weak language in the title of this post, to illustrate what it can do to your message and your credibility when presenting.

Weak phrases like “pretty much,” “sort of,” “kind of,” or “a little bit,” don’t actually add a lot to your message. Phrases like these make you sound unsure, like you are hedging, because that is exactly what you ARE doing.

People waste words all the time, filling up the space with extra language that doesn’t actually communicate much, doesn’t add anything to our message.

At The Latimer Group, we always coach our clients to say what they mean, exactly what they mean, and to get to the point in as few a words as possible. Weak phrases like the ones above, or filler words like “however” or “nevertheless” do nothing but take up time.

The best speakers I know don’t waste words. The best speakers I know say what they mean, as clearly as possible, in as few words as possible.

Record yourself when you speak sometime, even just a phone call. And count how many times you use weak phrases like “sort of” or how many words you use to fill space.

If you can eliminate the extra words or unnecessary phrases, you will be able to get to the point more quickly, you will be more likely to keep your audience’s attention and your audience will know exactly what you are trying to say.

Have a great day.