Negotiating, job interviews, or asking for a raise—all these situations demand confidence. Avoid these phrases if you want to be respected:

🚫 “Maybe my idea isn’t good enough.”

Starting with doubt sets the wrong tone. If you signal that your ideas are weak, others will perceive them that way. Instead, present your ideas confidently without seeking reassurance.

🚫 “It’s no big deal.”

Downplaying your achievements makes others undervalue them too. When someone praises your work, accept it graciously. Say you’re glad your efforts were recognized and that solving the task was important to you.

🚫 “I’ll try.”

Saying “I’ll try” instead of “I’ll do it” signals hesitation. If given a challenging task, clarify details, ask for missing resources, or request support if needed—but show commitment.

🚫 “Did I mess up?”

This question reveals guilt and uncertainty, prompting others to scrutinize your actions more critically. Stay composed and evaluate feedback rationally.