It’s Time To Dump These 4 Extremely Annoying Phrases 

We’re all guilty of using one or a combination of the following phrases. Whether you’re talking to a group of friends, doing a presentation to a client, speaking in public, or simply following up with your leads it’s important  to take note of the language you are using to communicate with others. 

1. “You Know”

The phrase “You Know” is so commonly used that it’s become part of most people’s vocabulary. Listen to when you’re talking to anyone and you’re going to hear that phrase pop in there. Take a moment to listen to some amazing speakers on YouTube and you’ll see they’ve fallen prey to the sneaky phrase too.  

Why is it important NOT to use this phrase? Let me tell you the reasons, MUCHACHO… 

• It’s a filler – your brain takes small moments to think and pause as it comes up with more words. That’s why we often use “um,” and this is the exact same thing.  
• I actually don’t know, so don’t tell me “You Know.” I know is rhetorical, and it’s overused. When you think about it, the phrase doesn’t actually make any sense. Instead of using “You Know,” take a few pauses and move forward with contributing knowledge.  

2. “No Offense, But” 

The phrase itself is a disclosure that what’s coming immediately after those words is usually insulting, contradictory, or demeaning. I never understood this phrase because every time I’ve had it directed at me, I get offended before I’m offended.🤔  

Instead of using this phrase, just be direct. The recipient will appreciate your directness much more than giving them a heads up that you’re about to possibly offend them.  

3. “Just Touching Base”

I hear this a lot in the sales world. When salespeople are following up with their clients, leads, customers, or anyone in their database, it’s very common to hear this phrase. There are two things wrong with this phrase. 

• What does “touching base” actually mean? Did you actually run out of things to talk about with the person? That phrase is extremely overused and it means NOTHING to people.  
• Instead of calling people to “touch base” with them, call them to help them by giving them some value! Call them to let them know about the current market, wish them happy holidays (whatever the pertinent holiday is), or call them to invite them to a client appreciation event. DON’T call them to just “Touch Base!”

4. “I Can Appreciate That”

The first time I ever heard this one was from Mike Ferry and his crew. This one is similar to “No Offense, But…” in that, you’re about to give the recipient a piece of your mind.  

“I Can Appreciate That” is usually a phrase that’s used when the person you’re talking to just told you something that you don’t really agree with. In response—so that you don’t sound offensive with your response—you casually slip in this phrase, which is a phrase that’s wasteful and sometimes a lie. Most of us aren’t appreciative of anyone disagreeing with us and saying that you can appreciate it is not a good way to proceed.  

A better way to rephrase this is by stating that you understand their concern. Remember that understanding comes from listening. Rather than continually thinking about a rebuttal to their concern, think about how you can help them. Use words that coincide with what you really mean so that your response is authentic and connects with your target.  

Saying you really “appreciate” what they just told you, yet stating something completely opposite of what they said, makes no sense.  

What you say and how you sound matters a lot.

People judge you in many ways—one of those being by the WORDS you use. Be mindful of the words you use, be a wordsmith and practice using words that elevate you as a person and as a real estate agent, don’t conform to the overused and extremely annoying phrases. 

What other phrases can you think of that are annoying? Let us know in the comments below.