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Do You Sabotage Your Writing By Using Weak Language?

It’s astonishing how many in the blogosphere write using weak language. They use words like “I think,” or “I’m just,” or directly point out their limited knowledge and expertise.

How many times have you caught yourself doing this?

It dilutes your authority, the very thing that has such a profound effect on your ability to advance your platform and lead your tribe.

In a Harvard Business Review article by Jerry Weissman, he advises to do the following:

Replace the weak words “I think”, “I believe”, and “I feel”, for stronger options such as: “I’m confident”, “I’m convinced”, “I expect”. These simple replacements can make a difference in how our message is perceived .

And perception is everything. Don’t diminish yourself in your communication and so reduce your authority to zero.

Write with authority – like a linchpin blogger: someone who refuses to follow, someone who consistently steps outside their comfort zone, and does the work of an authority figure.

It’s all about being assertive (bold, confident, free from anxiety).

Meaningful words stated assertively are more likely to reap meaningful actions.

And meaningful actions are what we writers are ultimately after.

Now go. Write assertively. Avoid weak language.

But before I finish, I wanted to provide an incomplete list of weak words to look for. If you have to use them, do so sparingly. Your prose could suffer serious irreparable damage if you write carelessly.

  • Stuff
  • Seems
  • Just
  • Got
  • Feel
  • Are, and other variation of the verb to-be.
  • Think
  • Probably
  • Very
  • Even

What are some other weak words that sabotage your writing? Please share in the comments. 

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  • http://www.madebydenise.net Denise Smedley

    Although, I still catch myself using weak works every once in a while, for the most part I’ve learned. I agree especially with, I THINK and also MAYBE is another one you didn’t list, but when I use that one, I notice it weakens the message as well.

    I don’t think JUST or STUFF is a big deal if used creatively. Ultimately, you need to let your personality show and be creative even if that breaks any “rules”.

  • http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

    Perhaps these words still have their usage, particularly the “I believe” and “I think” phrases. I like to use them when commenting on other blogs, for instance. I believe it helps me sound a little more humble on someone else’s turf, especially if I’m asking a question of them or making a point that differs slightly from theirs. See, I just did it – although unintentionally that time. Do you think that this is wise – or would you advise people to be bold even in comments?

  • http://www.madebydenise.net Denise Smedley

    Actually I agree with you. I believe a little humility in writing is very attractive to the reader. Not everyone needs to read something that tells them what is and what isn’t. It can be very refreshing to simply get a unique and personal perspective, and not an authoritative viewpoint.

  • http://www.christiansupermom.com/blog-2 Rosann

    I hate the word “that” and use it all too often. Every time I write, I challenge myself to remove words not needed without taking away from the ease and flow of my content. Writing is an art which reveals a part of our personality to the world. A certain amount of perfection is important so we come across polished in our writing, but I think readers connect more with an author who is real and not just a face hidden behind a bunch of words…if that makes any sense. :)

    Great post and wonderful tips to think about as I continue to work towards improving my writing.

    ~Blessings,
    Rosann

  • http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

    I agree, and honestly the “I think” wording should be used sparingly. I don’t know about you, but I prefer taking advice from someone who speaks with conviction and authority, even if from a comment. When it comes to commenting on other blogs, humility is important. But you can still be humble and show authority. It’s called being assertive, something the nursing field has taught me.

  • http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

    I agree, Denise. But humility and transparency are two different thing, wouldn’t you agree? I mean, you can still speak with authority and assertiveness, while at the same time being real and authentic on the page.

  • http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

    Actually, I use “that” often and that is ok. I think it’s more conversational word to use and better than you “which” all the time. And you make perfect sense here. I have found transparency is the best way to connect more with readers. You want to write as you speak, and often you can’t avoid the occasional “I think” type phrases. I would just try to do so sparingly, as always saying “I think” and “I believe” can weaken your impact. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!

  • http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

    Great points, Denise! I wouldn’t necessarily label these as cold-hard rules. They are more guidelines to create more compelling and authoritative content. I find myself using some of these phrases, and that is perfectly okay, and part of my personality. Nothing wrong with that, but I also prefer to take advice from someone who speaks with conviction. And using “I think” and “Maybe” all the time weakens our communication and potential impact.

  • Anonymous

    The past year I have been working on the content of my blog posts. This is defiantly an area I have and need to continue to focus on. I really liked your quote from The Harvard Business Review, such a powerful example of the words to avoid and use.

  • http://www.linchpinbloggers.com/ Don McAllister

    Thanks, Dan!