In a recent LinkedIn post, Dr. Carolyn Frost discusses the subtle yet significant impact of language on professional credibility and respect. Dr. Frost highlights how softening one’s speech, often done with the intention of sounding agreeable, can inadvertently lead to being perceived as unsure or lacking confidence. She offers a practical guide of 12 phrase shifts designed to convey authority, decisiveness, and reliability.
Dr. Frost begins by sharing her own past tendency to soften her language, explaining the underlying motivation and the unintended consequence. She writes:
“I used to soften everything I said. Just to sound nice, not too much, not too assertive. Turns out, it just made me sound unsure.”
This personal reflection sets the stage for her actionable advice, emphasizing that small linguistic changes can lead to substantial shifts in how one is perceived in professional settings.
The Power of Definitive Language
A core theme in Dr. Frost’s post is the importance of using definitive and action-oriented language. She contrasts phrases that express uncertainty or apology with those that project confidence and clarity. For instance, when discussing commitments, Dr. Frost suggests replacing hesitant phrasing with firm deadlines.
As Dr. Frost notes, the way commitments are communicated can significantly influence perceptions of reliability:
“I’ll deliver this by Thursday at 3pm” ❌ “I’ll try to get this done” ↳ Shows you’re reliable, not uncertain
This principle extends to follow-ups and general communication. Dr. Frost advocates for directness, proposing phrases that state the purpose clearly rather than relying on vague pleasantries.
Shifting from Apology to Confidence
Dr. Frost identifies a common pitfall: using phrases that sound apologetic or tentative, such as “Sorry to bother you.” She argues for a more confident approach, suggesting alternatives that express gratitude and respect for others’ time without diminishing one’s own presence.
“Thanks for making time” ❌ “Sorry to bother you” ↳ Shows confidence instead of doubt
According to Dr. Frost, these seemingly minor adjustments can reframe interactions, moving away from a position of perceived subservience towards one of equal standing and mutual respect. She also touches upon how to handle situations where complete certainty is not possible, offering phrases that acknowledge limitations while still projecting knowledge and capability.
Projecting Decisiveness and Solutions
Further analysis of Dr. Frost’s post reveals a focus on demonstrating decisiveness and a solution-oriented mindset. She contrasts phrases like “I think maybe we could…” with the more assertive “I recommend we…”, illustrating how the latter signals a clearer, more confident direction.
Dr. Frost also addresses how to handle requests or discussions where the proposed action might not align with current priorities. She advises against simply stating a lack of time, which can sound like an excuse. Instead, she suggests a more professional approach:
“That’s not among my top priorities this week” ❌ “I don’t have time for that” ↳ Shows you make choices, not excuses
This strategy, as Dr. Frost explains, communicates effective time management and prioritization skills rather than a simple inability or unwillingness to assist. Her advice is geared towards empowering individuals to “speak like you belong at the table,” reinforcing the idea that they inherently hold a position of value and expertise.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Dr. Carolyn Frost on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 11, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →