Words to Avoid in the Office

I always chuckle when a list pops up with advice and recommendations of what to do or not to do to get a head in today’s workplace. The one that caught my attention recently is from Entrepreneur magazine, touting the best way to improve your communications skills is to avoid these 25 words. I’ll let you read the list here and I’ve added a few of my suggestions below.  Anything else you’d like to add?

Additional words and phrases to avoid

I’m sorry, but – don’t be sorry. Whatever you are planning to say after the ‘but’ just say it.
This might sound stupid – if you think it sounds stupid, you’re probably right.  Be confident in your ideas, just tell me what you want to tell me, I’ll decide whether I like the idea or not.
To be honest – no, really, I’d rather you lie to me.
Unfortunately – oh how I hate that word! When anyone starts a sentence with unfortunately, it is usually followed by a “we can’t” or “we never” or something equally as negative. Truth is there is nothing unfortunate about the situation except how you’ve decided to handle it. Try a more positive approach, it goes a long way.

I slip up occasionally

No one is perfect, we all have used these expressions (and ones like it) before. And maybe being more aware of it will help keep usage to a minimum.