I have recently noticed that this certain phrase has become so commonly used in professional settings that it has become like a virus or allergy that is impossible to cure.
I find this extremely annoying: "To be honest with you..."
Why do people say that before they state a point, and every other point for that matter? Do they imply that they are not honest at any other times?
We need to be mindful of what we say and how we say it. Interjecting statements with verbal tics will not help. If you need to buy some time to think before saying anything, just pause...and then state your point.
pearlie
To be honest with you, I find this post a good reminder of how to use that phrase.
ReplyDeleteThank you :D
:P
ReplyDeleteI have to play along, too, and say to be honest with you I so totally agree :o)
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, to tell you the truth, that on the other hand, no offense but to be honest with you, there are a whole lot more verbal tics out there that should be eliminated from our speech!!! :D
ReplyDeleteI think that people sometimes use that phrase (an others like it) because they are not used to communicating at a transparent level with others so they feel a need to warn them that they are getting ready to speak at a different level.
ReplyDeleteTrue but the few people I hear using it are mainly doing it out of habit.
ReplyDelete