Cut the Hedges
Drop maybe, I think, sort of and just when you mean to recommend; say I recommend and say it once.
Studies over several decades find hedges and hesitations lower how credible and competent a speaker seems, though some hedging can help when you truly are unsure.
Why it works
Hedges tell the listener you are not sure, so they trust your advice less. Clean statements sound like you have done this before. When you are actually unsure, one clear statement of the doubt is better than hedges in every line.
How to do it
- Record a call and count your maybe, I think, sort of and just.
- Replace I think we can try with I recommend.
- Say the doubt once and plainly if there is one.
- End the line with a full stop, not a trailing so...
What to say
I recommend we start with one role in Punjab.
Our fee is 10 percent of annual CTC.
I am not sure about the June date. I will confirm by Friday.
Avoid
Swinging to fake certainty about things you do not know. That is worse than a hedge once it is found out.
Example
Kavita used to tell clients: I think maybe we could possibly look at a pilot. She now says: I recommend a pilot with two roles. Her clients started asking when, not whether.
Practise it
Related