Say It Better

Know exactly what to say at work.

Swap what most people say for what confident people say, in meetings, 1:1s, interviews and hard conversations.

DON'T SAY
“Sorry, this might be a dumb question…”
SAY THIS
“Quick question, to make sure we're aligned…”
It frames your question as helping the group, not exposing a gap.
DON'T SAY
“That's not my job.”
SAY THIS
“I can take that on. What should I move to make room?”
You stay helpful and your boss makes the priority call.
Today's swaps

Small words, big difference.

Every day we post one swap: the phrase most people use, the one confident people use instead, and why it works.

DON'T SAY
“So I've been working on a lot of stuff…”
SAY THIS
“The report is 80% done. I'll send it Thursday.”
Progress plus a date answers your boss's two real questions.
DON'T SAY
“I don't know.”
SAY THIS
“Good question. I'll find out and get back to you by 3.”
A deadline turns a gap into a promise.
DON'T SAY
“I think maybe we could possibly try…”
SAY THIS
“I recommend we try this. Here's why.”
One clear recommendation beats three maybes.
How it works

Three swaps a week is enough.

Pick 3

Choose swaps for situations coming up this week: a meeting, an update, a request.

Write them down

A sticky note on your monitor. Seeing the words right before you speak is what makes them stick.

Use each once

Just once. Notice how people respond. Next week, pick three more.

CareerSmartStudio
100
Workplace Phrase Swaps
Know exactly what to say at work.
The full guide

Say It Better: 100 Workplace Phrase Swaps

  • 10 situations: meetings, your boss, saying no, feedback, email and Slack, interviews, pay and promotion, leading a team
  • Every swap with the reason it works
  • 25-page PDF, instant download, prints on Letter or A4
$9Get the guide
Follow along

A new swap every day.