9 Common Phrases That Make You Sound More Insecure Than You Think

We all want to come across as confident, whether at work, with friends, or even in casual conversations. Yet, sometimes the way we speak can betray our self-doubt without us even realizing it. Certain phrases that feel polite or harmless can actually make us seem hesitant, unsure, or lacking confidence. The good news is that once you recognize these patterns, it’s easy to tweak your language so your words carry more weight and authority.

Here are nine common phrases that often make people sound insecure, along with practical tips to say them in a more confident and assertive way.

1. “I’m not sure, but …”

This phrase is a classic confidence killer. When you start a sentence with “I’m not sure,” you are immediately signaling doubt, even if your idea or opinion is solid. People may unconsciously question your credibility before they even hear your point. A simple way to fix this is to remove the qualifier altogether. For example, instead of saying “I’m not sure, but maybe we could try this,” try “Here’s an idea we could try.” You are still offering your input, but now it carries more confidence.

2. “To be honest …”

Starting a statement with “To be honest” might feel like you are emphasizing your truthfulness, but it can actually make everything else you say seem less genuine. It sends the subtle message that your usual words might not be entirely honest, which can undermine your credibility. Instead, just state your opinion directly. For example, replace “To be honest, I think we should change the plan” with “I think we should change the plan.” Your honesty will come through naturally without the preface.

3. “I’m no expert, but …”

Many of us say this phrase out of humility or a desire to avoid being wrong. However, it often makes your insights sound less valuable. When you say “I’m no expert, but,” you are preemptively downplaying your knowledge and the worth of your perspective. A better approach is to frame your input as your experience or observation. Try saying “From what I’ve seen” or “One perspective is” instead. This way, you are sharing valuable insight without diminishing your voice.

4. “Just a thought …”

Phrasing your ideas as “Just a thought” can make them feel optional or insignificant. While it might seem polite, it sends a message that your suggestion is not worth serious consideration. You can still be collaborative without sounding uncertain. Instead, say something like “Here’s something to consider” or “I suggest we try this.” You are presenting your idea confidently while keeping the conversation open and constructive.

5. “I may be wrong, but …”

Adding “I may be wrong” before a statement makes your words tentative. It can make listeners wonder if you lack confidence in your own judgment. A stronger alternative is to use phrases like “I think” or “In my experience.” For instance, replace “I may be wrong, but this seems like a good approach” with “I think this is a good approach based on my experience.” This small change allows you to own your opinion without appearing arrogant.

6. “Does that make sense?”

While this question is often meant as a helpful check-in, overusing it can signal self-doubt. It implies that you are not confident in your ability to communicate clearly. Instead of asking this at the end of every explanation, try saying “Let me know if you want me to clarify” or “I’m happy to explain further.” These alternatives convey willingness to communicate while keeping your voice strong.

7. “I’m sorry” — when unnecessary

Apologizing too frequently, especially for minor or irrelevant things, can weaken your presence. Saying “I’m sorry” for small inconveniences or for stating your opinion makes you appear hesitant or overly cautious. Save apologies for situations where they are genuinely needed. Otherwise, try phrases like “Thank you for your time” or “I appreciate your feedback.” This simple adjustment can make you sound more assertive and self-assured in everyday interactions.

8. “I just …”

Using “just” in your sentences can minimize your message. Phrases like “I just wanted to ask” or “I just thought” suggest that your actions or thoughts are not important. Removing “just” helps your statements carry more authority. For example, instead of saying “I just wanted to share my idea,” try “I wanted to share my idea.” The change is subtle, but it has a noticeable impact on how confident you sound.

9. “Everyone else thinks … / Everybody knows …”

Relying on consensus to support your point can make you seem uncertain about your own perspective. Saying “Everyone else thinks this is a good idea” signals that you need others to validate your opinion. A more confident approach is to present your idea on its own merits. Replace it with statements like “In my view” or “One observation is” to assert your point confidently without leaning on what others think.

Final Thoughts

Confidence is not about being perfect or never doubting yourself. It is about expressing your thoughts and ideas in a way that commands respect and conveys self-assurance. The phrases you use every day play a bigger role in how others perceive you than you might realize. By being mindful of these nine common language habits and making small adjustments, you can project confidence naturally and authentically.

Start by noticing which phrases you use most often. Practice replacing them with more assertive alternatives in low-stakes conversations. Over time, these small shifts will become second nature, and you will notice a difference not only in how others respond to you but also in how you feel about yourself. Confidence is a habit you can build one sentence at a time. Your words are powerful. Make them count.