The Banned Words List - Replace Every One of These

THE BANNED WORDS LIST - REPLACE EVERY ONE OF THESE

HEDGING WORDS - REMOVE COMPLETELY

❌ “I think...”

✅ “This will...” or “Based on your situation, the answer is...”

❌ “I believe...”

✅ “The fact is...” or state your point directly.

❌ “Basically...”

✅ Cut it. Start with your actual point.

❌ “Sort of / Kind of...”

✅ Remove it. Replace with a specific number or descriptor.

❌ “Maybe we could...”

✅ “Here is what I recommend.”

WEAK MODIFIERS — REPLACE WITH SPECIFICS

❌ “Pretty good”

✅ “Best-in-class in this district for this price band.”

❌ “Quite affordable”

✅ “At AED X, this is the lowest price per sqft in Hartland right now.”

❌ “A bit flexible on...”

✅ “We have two payment options. Let me show you both.”

❌ “Not bad”

✅ Cut it entirely. If it’s worth mentioning, say why it’s strong.

UNCERTAINTY LANGUAGE — REPLACE WITH CONFIDENCE

❌ “We should be able to deliver by...”

✅ “Handover is Q3 2026. Confirmed.”

❌ “We try to respond within...”

✅ “You’ll hear back from me within 2 hours.”

❌ “I’ll see what I can do”

✅ “Here’s exactly what I’ll do and by when.”

❌ “Hopefully...”

✅ Remove it. Replace with a specific commitment or a clear alternative.

APOLOGETIC OPENERS — NEVER USE THESE

❌ “Sorry to bother you but...”

✅ Say what you need to say directly.

❌ “I know you’re busy, but...”

✅ Start with the value immediately.

❌ “Just a quick question...”

✅ Remove “just.” Ask the question confidently.

❌ “Does that make sense?”

✅ “What questions do you have at this point?”