What Not to Say in Executive Communication: 5 Language Habits to Drop
- Stephanie Bickel
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
By: Stephanie Bickel
Every word you speak is a signal. It reveals how you think, shapes how others respond, and can quietly elevate, or erode, your authority.
At Speak by Design, we coach leaders to speak with precision, clarity, and power. That starts by removing the language that undermines your impact.
5 language habits to drop, and what you can say instead.
1. Stop Undermining Yourself with Qualifiers
Qualifying language weakens your point.
“This might sound silly, but…”
“I could be wrong, but…”
“Just my two cents…”
These phrases send a subtle message: Don’t take me too seriously.
Instead, try:
“Here’s how I’m thinking about this…”
“Based on what we’ve seen…”
“One approach that could work is…”
Speak as if your voice belongs in the conversation, because it does.
2. Cut Fillers. Own the Silence.
We all have verbal fillers. The most common?
“Like”
"You know”
“Sort of”
“Kind of”
When used too often, they dilute your message and distract from your credibility.
Every filler is a missed opportunity to be clear and direct.
Try pausing instead.
Silence is stronger than “uh” and more powerful than “you know.”
3. Eliminate Defensive Framing
Defensive language puts your audience on edge before you’ve even made your point.
“I know this might sound controversial…”
“I hope this makes sense…”
“Don’t shoot the messenger, but…”
These phrases can signal fear, doubt, or lack of conviction. Instead, lead with confidence and neutrality:
“One perspective to consider is…”
“Here’s what the data suggests…”
“Let’s explore what this could mean…”
4. Upgrade Casual to Concise
Overly casual language can make leaders seem unpolished, or unsure.
“So yeah, I just kind of think…”
“We’re basically going to maybe try…”
Refined communicators choose stronger verbs and streamlined structure:
“Our recommendation is…”
“Here’s what we’ll do next…”
“The goal is…”
Clarity is confidence. Strip away the clutter.
5. Fewer Words. Greater Impact.
Strong leaders don’t just avoid weak language, they sharpen strong language.
Replace this:
“I think we should probably…”
With this:
“Let’s move forward with…”
Replace this:
“Maybe this isn’t the best time…”
With this:
“Let’s revisit this when we’re aligned.”
The best speakers don’t use more words. They use the right ones.
When your words carry weight, people listen and follow.
Language mastery is at the heart of our coaching at Speak by Design University.
We’ll help you strip away what weakens your message and sharpen what makes it unforgettable.
✔ Self-paced courses
✔ Group coaching
✔ Private one-on-one coaching
Start speaking like the leader you are.
