4 Idea-Killing Phrases to Avoid When Making a Suggestion

Whether it’s to your boss, a client, your team, or someone else entirely, you have an idea or suggestion that you’re eager to put out there.

But, wait — there are a few credibility-killing phrases that we all frequently lean on that could send your suggestion into a total nosedive before you even have the chance to spit the entire thing out.

Like what? Here are four phrases that ultimately detract from your message, soften your language, and undermine your confidence — as well as what you should say instead.

1. Instead of “I wonder if…”

We’re all guilty of this one. Rather than putting your idea out there, you preface it with this gentler qualifier. “I wonder if we moved the presentation to next week…” or even, “I wonder if doing it this way would be better…”

But, this phrase isn’t doing you any favors. It isn’t a question. But, it also isn’t a strong statement — leaving people confused about how exactly they’re supposed to respond.

Instead, it’s better to be more explicit about whether you’re asking something or asserting something. If you fall into that first camp? Phrasing your contribution as an actual question will make it clear that you’re open to feedback and other suggestions.

Try This: “What if we…”

2. Instead of “This might be a bad idea, but…”

This is one you tend to rely on when you want to acknowledge the fact that your idea is half-baked. It’s a futile attempt at preserving your own ego — a way for you to shoot your suggestion down before anyone else gets the opportunity.

But, chances are, you believe in whatever it is you’re pitching — or you wouldn’t be speaking up at all.

Rest assured, it’s totally copacetic to point out the fact that your suggestion needs some further fleshing out before it’s actually implemented. However, try to avoid using words like “bad,” “stupid,” or “terrible” to describe your own idea.

Try This: “I haven’t had a chance to think through every detail, but…”

3. Instead of “I kind of think…”

Here’s that soft language trap again. You don’t want to seem too pushy or arrogant, so you pad your pitch with all sorts of words to make you sound a little less certain.

Kind of, sort of, almost — they’re undeniably easy words to lean on when you aren’t feeling completely confident in speaking up with your two cents.

But, your suggestion will be much stronger and more impactful if you cut them out entirely and get straight to your point.

Try This: “I think…”

4. Instead of “Maybe this won’t work for us…”

You’ve seen your idea successfully implemented elsewhere, which is what inspired you to bring it up in the first place.

But, even though your suggestion has been proven to be helpful in other circumstances, you still feel the need to poke some holes in it yourself by stating that it’s not guaranteed to work here.

Rather than instantaneously focusing on the negatives, why not explain the specific situations when you have seen it play out well? Backing up your contribution with examples and facts will add validity to your suggestion — rather than detract from it.

Try This: “I’ve seen this work elsewhere…”

Even if you don’t have a ton of confidence in your own pitch or idea, using wishy-washy language and pointing out your suggestion’s own flaws isn’t an ineffective strategy to keep your contribution afloat.

Avoid these four phrases — and use their alternatives instead — and you’re sure to pitch your idea in a way that’s polished, poised, and professional.