1. “Just” (protector words)

“Just”（“只不過”）這個單詞降低你的表達力度，讓人覺得你說的話不那么重要。

The word “just” diminishes the content that follows this word. It is a “protector” word, a word that softens what you want to achieve. When you say, “I’m just following-up on my below e-mail…,” you are downplaying the importance of your e-mail and why you are reaching out. You are softening your request for a response.

If you are taking the time and energy to follow-up on an unanswered e-mail, it is important. Do not make it look unimportant when it is important to you. This can come across as passive aggressive, which can create resentment and lessen your authority.

2. “Very,” “Absolutely” and “Totally” (drama words)

“Very”（非常）、“Absolutely”（絕對）、“Totally”（完全）這一組詞屬于多余的冗詞，對于意思表達不會有增值作用，反而給人以“表演”的痕跡。

Words such as “very,” “absolutely” or “totally” do not add value to the noun you want to describe or highlight. You do not need to say, “I’m very excited.” Saying “I’m excited” does the trick. Superfluous adverbs and adjectives can add unnecessary drama. When you appreciate the power of words, you use less of them to communicate the same thing. When you use fewer words, each word becomes more powerful and can be better appreciated by others.

3. “I think…” or “Arguably” (protector words)

“I think…” （我覺得）、“Arguably”（“可以說”）這兩個詞讓人覺得你自己對自己的觀點也不是那么肯定。

Each and every thought you put out there is your opinion. You do not need to preface your ideas with “I think.” Similar to the word “just,” “I think” and “arguably” are protector words. It broadcasts to the world that you may be wrong but that is okay because it is only what you think. It is a way to protect yourself from attack, should someone hold a different opinion.

Words you may be using to try and protect yourself are undermining your power. You are entitled to your opinion. Don’t undermine your authority to have one. Sharing your opinion without hesitation, even if others disagree, can help to garner respect.

4. “I’ll try” and “Don’t worry about it.” (ability words)

“I’ll try” （“我盡力”）、“Don’t worry about it”（“別在意”），前者給以你對自己的能力不是很肯定；而后者讓人不知道你到底要做什么。

Saying that you will try to do something suggests that you are unsure of your abilities. If you say you will do something, people know that you will try. Saying, “I’ll try” can make people feel nervous. The last thing you want your manager to think is that you lack confidence in yourself or even your ability to try.

When you express too much confidence and say “Don’t worry about it,” you leave people in the dark about what you are doing and belittle them as you may think that they cannot do something. Leaders empower others, not strip them of their power.

5. “Sorry” (apology words)

“Sorry”（對不起），致歉的詞用的越多其效力就越差，所以盡量少說。

The more you apologize, the less powerful your apology becomes. Use “sorry” sparingly. Use it only for instances directly caused by you and not for instances out of your control. For example, you are late to a meeting because of a car accident that happened two blocks from work. You may share why you are late, but you do not need to apologize for it.

6. “Like,” “Whatever,” “Etcetera” and “…and so on and so forth” (filler words)

“Like,” “Whatever,” “Etcetera” and “…and so on and so forth”都屬于無用的“填充詞”，相當于漢語的“這個這個”，寧可停頓也不要用。

Keep the “l(fā)ikes” and similar phrases to a minimum. These are common filler words. People use them when they are trying to think of what they want to say next. It dilutes the potency of the words you use. Instead, pause for a moment to collect your thoughts.

7. “Actually” and “Obviously” (superior words)

“Actually”（“實際上”） and “Obviously”（“很明顯”）容易讓聽者誤解，以為你輕視他們的理解能力。

Words such as “actually” and “obviously” can rub people the wrong way. These words suggest that the other person does not understand the issue or circumstance (and that you are right) or understands something (when they may not). Making assumptions about other people’s levels of understanding shows your lack of understanding and can annoy or frustrate others and cause people to disrespect you.