You wouldn’t follow a GPS that constantly says “maybe turn left,” or “kind of go straight,” right? So why do we let our speech sound that way? Your language is your internal compass—and others follow it.
Why This Matters:
Your Words Steer More Than You Think
In leadership, every word you speak sets a direction. Whether you’re presenting a strategy, motivating a team, or negotiating with clients, the way you speak becomes a signal: it tells others where you’re going – and how confidently you’re headed there.
But here’s the thing: many of us unconsciously fill our language with verbal detours. Little words like “kind of”, “maybe”, or “just” sneak in. We think we’re being polite, thoughtful, or spontaneous. In reality, we sound unsure. Hesitant. Even weak.
And that’s a problem—because people don’t just follow your logic; they follow your clarity. If your verbal compass keeps wobbling, even strong ideas can lose impact.
The Coaching Moment:
A Leader’s Great Talk, Slightly Off Course
Last week during a coaching session, I worked with a manager preparing for a big internal strategy presentation. She had a great structure, clear objectives, and strong ideas. But something didn’t land quite right. As we reviewed her rehearsal, one phrase kept repeating:
“We’re kind of moving to a new model.”
“We sort of want more initiative from teams.”
“It’s basically a shift in mindset.”
At first glance, these seemed harmless. But with repetition, they had an effect: the message felt vague. The strategy seemed tentative. It was like she wasn’t fully behind her own plan.
When I pointed it out, she was surprised. She hadn’t even realized she was saying it. “It’s just how I talk,” she said. Exactly—and that’s the point.
What Filler Words Really Do to Your Message
These words aren’t evil. They’re part of everyday speech. But in leadership and professional contexts, they matter more than we think.
Why? Because they signal your mindset.
Common Filler Words That Weaken Your Message
Kind of / Sort of
→ adds vagueness
Actually
→ can sound apologetic or defensive
Just
→ softens unnecessarily
Maybe / Perhaps
→ lacks decisiveness
Basically
→ filler, often redundant
Like
→ casual, imprecise
I think / I believe
(overused)
→ reduces strength of fact-based statements
Hopefully
→ lacks ownership
To be honest / Honestly
→ implies a contrast with dishonesty
Literally
→ often exaggerated, easily misused
You know / I mean / So…
→ stalling, distracting from clarity
Using these once or twice isn’t a big deal. But when they form part of your unconscious speaking style, they start shaping your professional presence—and not always in the way you intend.
Take Back Control:
Practical Language Awareness Tools
You don’t need to become a robot or strip all personality from your speech. But conscious language gives you power. Here’s how to begin:
Record Yourself Speaking
Next time you speak in a meeting or give a presentation, hit record (yes, even on your phone). Then, listen back—not for what you meant to say, but what you actually said.
- What words do you repeat?
- Do any of the filler words from the list above show up?
- Do they support your message—or blur it?
It’s often a surprising and eye-opening experience.
Choose One Word to Watch
Start with just one word you want to eliminate or replace. Let’s say it’s “just”. For a week, try to speak in meetings without using it. Catch yourself when you do. Replace it with silence, or rephrase:
- Instead of “I just wanted to say…” → “Here’s what I want to share.”
- Instead of “It’s just an idea…” → “Here’s one idea worth exploring.”
- Instead of “I was just hoping to see you” → “I’d like to book a meeting with you.”
Ask a Colleague for a Listening Favor
Invite someone you trust to observe your language for a few days. Tell them you’re working on eliminating filler words. Ask them to note what they hear and when. It can be funny, humbling, and incredibly useful.
Replace Weak with Strong
Once you identify a weak phrase, replace it with something that adds presence.
- “Kind of a new model” → “This is a new model.”
- “Hopefully, we’ll meet the deadline” → “We plan to meet the deadline.”
- “I think this will work” → “This approach will work.”
Speak Like a Leader, Not a Maybe
Great communication isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And presence comes from owning your message, not kind of offering it.
Think of your language as your internal GPS. Every word points in a direction. If your speech is filled with “maybes” and “justs,” people will hesitate to follow you. But when you speak with clarity, they know exactly where you’re going—and they’ll want to come with you.
So next time you speak, tune in to your verbal habits. Notice your default settings. And above all, ask yourself:
Am I pointing clearly toward my goal – or am I ‘kind of’ wandering in circles?