8 caveats that can ruin your credibility

People use qualifiers all the time, without even realizing it. These “caveats” are tucked into our speech to qualify what we’re saying. 

“Caveat” comes from a Latin word meaning ‘beware.’ When we use caveats we literally warn our audience to beware of what we are saying, or what we have just said. To sound more credible, remove the following caveats from your speech. 

1. “TO BE HONEST” 

This is one of the most common expressions of this kind. It also pops up as “honestly,” or “let me be honest with you.”

When you use this caveat, you’re implicitly warning your audience that everything else you’re saying may not be true. Why plant doubts in your audience’s mind? Remove this caveat and state what you know to be true.

 2. “IN MY OPINION”

We hear this one a lot, usually the speaker wants to qualify what he or she is about to say. Variations include, “it’s just my opinion,” “in my humble opinion” or (for texters) IMHO.

Calling your views just an “opinion” weakens your statement. Remove this caveat. You might replace it with the stronger “I believe.” Or, even better, show the reasons you’ve taken this stance. 

3. “YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THIS, BUT … “

Speakers may use this expression to sound humble and accommodating. But in fact, they suggest their remarks are redundant—and not worth listening to.

Think before you speak, and if you feel somebody knows what you’re about to say, either don’t say it, or present the information in a new, forceful way. 

4. “I’M NOT SURE”

We often hear this one from people who may be perfectly sure of their views but want to sound humble. Eliminate a phrase that declares, “Don’t listen to me.” Just plunge into what you believe. Others will listen to you and respond to your good ideas.

5. “I COULD BE WRONG”

This expression projects weakness and uncertainty—why should anyone care about those views?

If a financial analyst says, “We expect inflation to increase, but I could be wrong,” we don’t know what to believe. The expert essentially has ruled himself out as an expert. Leave this caveat out and deliver a more thoughtful response.

 Don’t create the impression that you’re over your head in dealing with the subject.

6. “THIS IS PROBABLY A STUPID QUESTION”

This is a self-inflicted wound. Listeners will immediately discount the words that follow. Imagine a job interview where a candidate asks, “This is probably a stupid question, but can you tell me whether I could work from home.” 

If your question is valid, ask it. If it’s not, don’t. But don’t flag it as a dumb question.

7. “JUST A THOUGHT”

This harmless sounding caveat is another credibility killer. It’s sometimes used when a senior person doesn’t want to sound overpowering. 

A boss might say to a junior team member, “Just a thought, but are you looking for a mentor?” No need to undercut yourself.

8. “IF YOU DON’T MIND”

This caveat, along with expressions such as, “Do you mind?” or “If that’s okay,” weakens you—and sounds a bit edgy.

One might say to someone they admire, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you how you built such a successful career.”  “If you don’t mind,” makes it sound like the speaker is entering territory where she may not belong. 

If you’re close enough to that person, ask it without the caveat. Otherwise, holding back is the best way to go.

Words matter, and these expressions will do nothing for you. Cut the caveats and you’ll sound more confident.