5 Phrases That Could Harm Your Professional Image in Meetings (And How to Fix Them)

Think and Imagine...

You're sitting in an important meeting, with a chance to prove your competence, but you say one sentence that makes everyone question your professionalism without realizing it! Have you ever wondered whether your words are helping or hindering you? Some seemingly ordinary phrases can leave a wrong impression and reduce your chances of advancement. Educational expert Zeinab Wahdan provides five phrases that could ruin your professional image in meetings, and more importantly, how to replace them with phrases that elevate your status and make your voice heard with respect and confidence.

Do you say these phrases without realizing their impact?

1. "Maybe... I'm not sure."
   Hesitation is the fastest way to ruin your professional image. When you say "Maybe" or "I'm not sure," you send an implicit message that you're not competent or don't trust your decisions. In the workplace, no one expects you to know everything, but the way you present your answers makes the difference. Instead, say: "I'll check on that and get back to you soon," or "Based on the information I have now, we can do this, and I'll verify the additional details." This shows you're responsible, aiming for accuracy without weakening others' trust in you.

2. "But we always do it this way."
   Nothing kills innovation faster than this phrase. Rejecting a new idea just because "we've always done it this way" makes you seem like an obstacle to progress, rather than a part of it. Companies seek employees who think of solutions, not those who cling to routine. Instead, say: "I'd love to understand why we're suggesting this change and how it can improve our results," or "What do you think about comparing both approaches to see which one is more efficient?" This shows you're open to development without opposing change for the sake of opposition.

3. "That's not my responsibility."
   When faced with a request outside of your role and you reply with this phrase, you're sending the message that you're uncooperative. Even if the request isn't part of your official responsibilities, the way you reject it is what shapes your image within the team. Instead, say: "That's not part of my primary responsibilities, but I can help you find the right person," or "I need to focus on my current project, but let me see how we can handle this." This maintains your image as a collaborative person without taking on tasks that aren't yours.

4. "I don't agree, this won't work."
   A direct and negative refusal can make you seem like someone who always opposes things, especially without offering an alternative or a logical explanation. Instead, take a more professional approach, such as: "This is an interesting perspective. Can we explore some challenges that might arise in implementing it?" or "I see some obstacles with this idea, but maybe we can adjust it to make it more feasible." This way, you maintain your critical position but in a constructive manner that makes you seem professional rather than simply opposed.

5. "No one told me about this."
   Blaming a lack of information might seem justifiable, but it makes you appear passive or disconnected from what's happening at work. In meetings, it's better to be someone who looks for solutions rather than focusing on the problem. Instead, say: "It seems there's a gap in information. How can we ensure this doesn't happen again in the future?" or "I wasn't aware of that, but now that I know, I'll work on it immediately." This shows you're professional, adaptable, and take responsibility for challenges rather than shifting the blame.

How to Turn Your Phrases from a Barrier to a Strength:

• Maybe... I'm not sure:
  "Based on the information I have now, we can do this, and I'll verify the additional details."
  This makes you appear realistic and diligent, seeking precision without sounding hesitant.

• But we always do it this way:
  "I'd love to understand why we're suggesting this change and how it can improve our results."
  This shows you're open to development and willing to explore new solutions.

• That's not my responsibility:
  "That's not part of my primary responsibilities, but I can help you find the right person."
  This helps you maintain a professional stance without appearing unwilling to cooperate.

• I don't agree, this won't work:
  "I see some obstacles with this idea, but maybe we can adjust it to make it more feasible."
  This positions you as a solution-oriented person rather than just an opponent.

• No one told me about this:
  "I wasn't aware of that, but now that I know, I'll work on it immediately."
  This response demonstrates you're proactive and adaptable, taking responsibility for the situation.

By making these small changes in how you express yourself, you can greatly improve how others perceive you in professional settings, making you seem more confident, open to collaboration, and solution-oriented.