While confidence is important, it’s also crucial to express doubt at the right moments, especially in disagreements.Phrases like “I could be wrong, but…” soften your stance, making others more receptive and reducing defensiveness.This approach acknowledges complexity and encourages open-minded discussion.

4. Know When to Express Doubt

Hedges are words like maybe, might, probably, I think that express uncertainty.Speaking in absolutes (e.g., “It will rain tomorrow” instead of “It might rain tomorrow”) makes you sound more confident and authoritative.People are naturally drawn to certainty in speech, even if life is uncertain.

1. Ditch the Hedges

Use the present tense when describing things to make your statements more persuasive and objective.For example, say “This book is good” instead of “This book was good.”Present tense implies ongoing truth and confidence, making your opinions more convincing.

3. Turn Pasts into Presents

Avoid filler words such as um, uh, like which signal uncertainty and lower your perceived status.Replace these fillers with pauses. Pausing not only gives you time to think but also makes your speech sound more deliberate and confident.Studies show that speakers who hesitate less are perceived as higher status, regardless of their actual position.

2. Don’t Hesitate

These strategies will help you communicate with more power, clarity, and influence-making people much more likely to want to listen to what you have to say.

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0:00 Most people are…
0:38 (1) Ditch the hedges 
3:20 (2) Don’t hesitate 
7:27 (3) Turn pasts into presents 
9:41 (4) Know when to express doubt 
12:36 Summary

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

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Strategy

education

Learning & Education

communication

Communication

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

#socialskills #communication #speech 

🎥 The Art of Social Poise (Course): coming soon 👀
🧠 Behaviour Change in 90 Days (Course): coming soon 👀
💎 NOK Academy (mental flourishing & social skills): coming later 👀

Join The Big 3 Newsletter to get:
- 1 mental health hack 
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Subscribe!:
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0:00 Most people are…
0:38 (1) Ditch the hedges 
3:20 (2) Don’t hesitate 
7:27 (3) Turn pasts into presents 
9:41 (4) Know when to express doubt 
12:36 Summary

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1. Ditch the Hedges

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