Don’t Start With Sorry
Many of us say “sorry” far more often than we realize.
It finds its way into messages, meetings and conversations - even when there’s nothing to apologize for. Over time, this constant self‑minimizing language chips away at how confidently we show up at work.
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| Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash |
A small shift in wording can change that. Instead of defaulting to apologies, we can actively choose phrases that acknowledge the situation without undermining yourself.
Here are the simple swaps that make a big difference:
- Running late? Try thanking others for waiting. Example: Don’t use “Sorry for being late”, try instead: ”“Thanks for your patience.”
- Overlooked something? Acknowledge the support and confirm it’s handled. Example: “Good catch. I’ll update it!”
- Didn’t understand a point? Skip the apology and ask directly. Example: “Could you walk me through that part again?”
- Want to contribute? Replace “sorry” with a clear signal that you’d like to join in. Example: “I’d like to add something here.”
- Scheduling time with someone? Frame it as creating space, not causing trouble. Example: “I’ve set up a slot for us. Feel free to adjust.”
These small language changes help you sound more professional and more sure of yourself (without being pushy or dramatic).
Confidence isn’t about speaking louder.
Often, it’s simply about choosing better words.
Cheers for reading! This article was inspired by a LinkedIn post by Jean Kang.