Words like “maybe” and “just” may seem harmless, but using certain types of words can change the way you’re perceived.
You have the title, the expertise, and the know-how, but the way you speak may be the one thing that stands in your way of success. Deborah Tannen, professor of linguistics at Georgetown University and author of Talking From 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work, says by paying attention to the words we use when speaking with others at the office, we can boost our credibility.