What are your thoughts on this article about women's speech habits and the effect they might be having on people's perceptions of us?

Besides saying everything like a question (which seems localized to young women), the rest seems to be done by men and women. Being a decent public speaker requires anyone to do less of these things.

I’m not the best public speaker so I can’t judge too harshly.

I think this is the female version of articles that say you need to be a jerk to attract women.

It plays on insecurities, and is mostly crazy talk.

It looks like women need to drop the word “just” from their vocabulary.

Also, women need not apologize for making a suggestion.

This is a good video as it teaches women to be a leader in their language to other people. This is what leaders, who are men, do.

It also teaches women to have more confidence in their speech and in themselves.

Good video.

Thanks, Rachael.

The points in that article are good advice for anyone. It’s important to seem confident when you’re at work. Another one to watch out for is starting sentences with “I think.”

After reading the article, I’m a bit bewildered that it didn’t mention women apologizing when they shouldn’t. I see that as much more prevalent to women vs. men.

I agree with the “just” and the pitch tips, but the rest, I feel apply to both sexes.

I think all 8 are more patterns exhibited by people who are deferring to others or possibly lacking confidence in their position.

I have to keep myself from doing all 8 via email whenever I’m writing to clients. I tend to want to defer and let them make the decisions. The truth is it generally doesn’t do me any favors to put myself at that disadvantage from the start.

I try to go back and edit them out as I can.

So to answer questions:
Do you think the premise of the article is true – that these are speech patterns more commonly found in women than men?

Maybe. But definitely more common in anyone who isn’t taking charge of the situation.

If so, do you think it’s true that these phrases cause people to subconsciously have less respect for what we have to say?

Yes, definitely. If you’re not sure of what you’re saying, how can they be confident in it?

Those of us who have these speech habits – do you think we should really try to change them?

I still think they have a place when egos need to be put at ease, but should be practiced when appropriate instead of as your default way of communicating. In other words use them as one tool in your repertoire.

mmm…yes…shallow and pedantic
I’m just kidding, I didn’t read it, I just skimmed it. “Umm” should be on that list because it makes you sound like an obnoxious zombie.

Just talk to me like you want me to talk to you. I want honest straight forward communication. That empowers you.

Sounds nothing like me.

I think the author Tara Sophia Mohr who is a writer, coach and personal growth teacher and her work focuses on helping individuals create more authentic, fulfilled lives. What is missing is who her actual audience is.

From what I could gleen, her “coaching” seemed was directed towards women in a business presentation setting and these bullet points she outlines are very important and do offer valid points to making stronger, more confident and professional presentations. If it is women seeking to strengthen their ability to navigate business discussion then she has solid tips to offer.

Very interesting article, but most of the points she made can be applied to anyone. It does make me think about my own speech patterns, and how I might come across as more confident with some changes.

I agree that the points of speech are valid but they should replace “women” with “people with low self-confidence”.

Oh dear, I’m a serial offender when it comes to using the word “just”, ” I think” and “I guess” in a lot of my answers here.

I don’t know, I guess I just think ;P that I don’t claim to know it all, or know more than other people. I am in a constant state of learning, maybe you’re not supposed to let people know that in the real world…

The article is interesting, but I think it misses an opportunity to point out something underlying the reason that this is directed at women. As many have already noted, these speech patterns are present in both women and men. It is likely that both sexes are affected if either is. The problem is that women have long had to work twice as hard to get half the credit. Thus if these speech patterns really are damaging to one’s prospects, then it follows that they would be more damaging to a woman than to a man given the social context in which we find ourselves. The good news is that the situation gets better every year; but we certainly haven’t reached a place of equal regard yet.

@SavoirFaire excellent point. In addition to that, speaking authoritatively and firmly adde to one’s credibility, but when applied to a woman, she is frequently misinterpreted as pushy or bitchy.

@Trillian Indeed. Hooray for double standards! ~