10 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent, according to psychology

It's fascinating how a simple phrase can alter people's perception of your intelligence. Surprisingly, we often use some words or phrases that, unbeknownst to us, make us sound less smart.

Psychology has much to say about this. It's pinpointed several phrases that instantly lower the perceived intelligence of the speaker.

In this article, we'll dive into 10 phrases that instantly make you sound less intelligent, according to psychology. Be prepared to be surprised - some of these phrases might be part of your daily vocabulary!

1) "Like, you know..."

We've all been guilty of this at some point. The overuse of filler words like "like", "you know", or "um" can seriously undermine the perceived intelligence of a speaker.

Filler words are a natural part of conversation. We use them to fill gaps while we're thinking, or to signal that we're not done speaking yet. However, when used excessively, they can make us seem unsure or indecisive.

Psychologists call this "verbal clutter". It distracts from your main message and can make you sound less confident and articulate than you actually are.

This doesn't mean you need to eradicate these words from your vocabulary. Just be mindful of how often you're using them. A pause can sometimes be more effective than a filler word.

Remember, clear and concise communication is key to sounding intelligent. So next time you find yourself about to utter a "like" or "um", try taking a breath instead.

2) "I'm not an expert, but..."

I'll never forget the time I was giving a presentation at work. I'd spent hours preparing, researching, and rehearsing. I felt confident about the topic and was ready to share my insights with my colleagues.

But when it was my turn to speak, I started with, "I'm not an expert, but..." Instantly, I felt the room's energy change. It was subtle, but I knew I'd made a mistake. That phrase had undermined the confidence my team had in me before I'd even started.

Psychologists suggest that using disclaimers like "I'm not an expert, but..." or "This might be wrong, but..." can seriously diminish how intelligent you sound. It makes your listeners doubt your credibility and question the validity of your points.

Self-deprecation has its place, but when it comes to sharing knowledge or insights, assertiveness can go a long way in portraying intelligence. So instead of undermining your own expertise, stand tall and own your knowledge.

3) "I can't"

Did you know that the language we use can actually influence our ability to perform tasks? It's true. According to psychologists, regularly using phrases like "I can't" or "I'm unable to" can limit our mindset and potential over time.

These phrases not only make us sound less intelligent, but they also instill a sense of defeat and lack of capability. They portray a fixed mindset, which Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, suggests hinders growth and development.

In contrast, adopting a growth mindset by using phrases like "I'll try" or "I'll find a way" can empower us and inspire others. It demonstrates a willingness to learn and overcome challenges, traits often associated with intelligence.

So next time you're faced with a challenge, remember to mind your language. Your words are more powerful than you think.

4) "This may be a stupid question, but..."

Questions are a critical part of learning and understanding. But prefacing your inquiries with disclaimers like "This may be a stupid question, but..." can instantly lower others' perception of your intelligence.

According to psychologists, these types of self-deprecating statements reveal an unnecessary insecurity about one's own understanding. It's not the question that makes you sound less intelligent, it's the unnecessary disclaimer.

In fact, asking questions often demonstrates curiosity, engagement and a desire for deeper understanding – all signs of intelligence.

So, don't be afraid to ask questions. Just drop the disclaimer and ask away with confidence. Remember, the only 'stupid' question is the one not asked.

5) "Whatever"

While there's certainly a time and place for casual conversation, using dismissive phrases such as "whatever" can make you come across as indifferent or unengaged, which in turn can reflect negatively on your perceived intelligence.

Psychologists suggest that the use of such phrases can give the impression of a lack of interest or effort to engage meaningfully in a conversation. This could lead others to question your capacity to understand or contribute intelligently to the topic at hand.

Instead, consider using more thoughtful responses that show you're actively processing and engaging with the information. Even simple phrases like "I see" or "that's interesting" can make a big difference in how your intelligence is perceived.

6) "It's not fair"

Life is filled with ups and downs, and sometimes things don't go our way. It's only human to feel frustrated in such situations. But persistently saying "It's not fair" can make you sound less intelligent.

Psychologists tell us this phrase can make us seem immature or unable to handle life's challenges gracefully. It suggests an expectation that life should always be just and fair, which, while ideal, is often not the case.

It's more constructive, and indeed intelligent, to acknowledge the situation and focus on finding solutions or learning from the experience. Phrases such as "this is challenging but I'll handle it" or "let's find a way around this" can portray resilience and emotional intelligence, which are admired traits in any situation.

Sometimes, it's not about what happens to us, but how we respond that defines our perceived intelligence. So remember, even in tough situations, choose your words wisely. They're a reflection of your perspective on life.

7) "I hate reading"

I remember vividly the day I announced to a group of friends, "I hate reading." The room fell silent, and I could see the surprise in their eyes. It was a casual remark, but I soon realized it had serious implications on how people perceived my intelligence.

Psychologists have found that people who express a dislike for reading are often perceived as less intelligent. Reading is associated with learning, knowledge acquisition, and mental growth. A distaste for it can be seen as a disinterest in these pursuits.

Of course, not everyone is a bookworm. But instead of expressing a blanket dislike for all reading, it's smarter to specify genres or types you might not enjoy. For instance, saying "I'm not a fan of historical novels" comes off much better than "I hate reading."

Remember, every word we utter adds to the narrative others build about us. Choose them with care, especially when talking about habits linked to intellectual growth.

8) "I'm a perfectionist"

In a bid to demonstrate commitment to excellence, many of us have fallen into the trap of describing ourselves as 'perfectionists'. On the surface, it may seem like a good thing. After all, who doesn't want to strive for perfection?

However, psychologists suggest that this phrase can actually make us sound less intelligent. It can imply an inability to prioritize, a lack of efficiency, or even a fear of failure - all traits that are not typically associated with intelligence.

Instead, it might be more beneficial to describe oneself as detail-oriented or thorough. These descriptions still convey a commitment to high standards without the negative implications often associated with perfectionism.

So, while striving for excellence is commendable, labeling oneself as a 'perfectionist' might not be the smartest move.

9) "It's always been done this way"

Innovation and progress are hallmarks of intelligence. So, when someone frequently uses the phrase "It's always been done this way," it can make them sound less intelligent.

According to psychologists, this phrase reflects a resistance to change and a lack of critical thinking. It suggests an unwillingness to question the status quo or consider alternative, potentially more efficient methods.

Intelligent people are often seen as problem solvers and innovators. They question, they challenge, and they strive for improvement.

So instead of falling back on how things have always been done, show your intelligence by embracing change and seeking new ways to do things. You never know, you might just stumble upon a better solution.

10) "I don't need to write it down"

Relying solely on memory and dismissing the importance of jotting things down can make you appear less intelligent. Psychologists suggest that the act of writing not only helps in retention but also displays a level of seriousness and respect for the information being shared.

Saying, "I don't need to write it down" can give the impression that you're either overconfident or not fully engaged in the matter at hand.

Intelligent people are often voracious note-takers. They understand the value of capturing ideas, information, and insights in written form for future reference or contemplation.

So grab a pen and paper, or open a note-taking app. It's a small habit that can make a big difference in how your intelligence is perceived.