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If you say any of these 5 overused phrases, you may be coming off as 'judgmental,' says communication expert—what to say instead

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Summary
Nutrition label

73% Informative

You may say this when someone brings up a problem that seems to have a straightforward solution.

Prefacing statements with "actually" can seem to imply, "You're wrong and I'm right," and come off as condescending.

What to say instead: "Yes, and..." improv energy to build on others' ideas, not tear them down.

Melody Wilding, LMSW, is an executive coach, human behavior professor, and author of " Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge " Use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $ 97 (+taxes and fees) through July 15, 2025 .

VR Score

66

Informative language

60

Neutral language

49

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

36

Offensive language

not offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

long-living

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