Hello there, and Welcome to another exciting episode of The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook Podcast! I’m your host Dr. Dawn and this is YOUR place to get the secrets behind upleveling your career without sacrificing your sanity OR your work/life balance. If you joined us LAST week you know we tackled the sound of your voice—and how it can either project confidence or quietly chip away at it. So, THIS week, we’re going even deeper. Because even if your voice is strong, the words you choose could be undermining you.

Words That Undermine—And What to Say Instead

• I’m sorry, but| Starts with apology even when not needed | Lead with your point
• Just checking| Minimizes your intent | I’d like to follow up
• I may be wrong…” | Signals uncertainty | Here’s what I’m thinking
• You know?| A conversational filler | Use a pause instead
• Actually| Comes off as defensive or surprised | Here’s another way to look at it
• I’m not an expert in this | Self-dismissal | Lead with your credentials

3 Strategies You Can Use Right Away

1. Capture & Reflect
Record yourself in a meeting or presentation. Listen for softeners, apologies, or filler phrases. Awareness is the first step toward shift!

2. Practice Rewriting
Rewrite an email or message using powerful language. Replace “just,” “sorry,” or “maybe” with confident alternatives. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

3. Pause with Purpose
Notice when you want to say “um” or “you know.” Pause instead. Pauses project control, confidence, and clarity.

Remember, ShopTalkers: your career, your choices, your voice—and yes, even your day—are in your control, so don’t forget our motto and it’s this: “If you’re not having a fantastic day, you have the power to make it one!”

NEW HERE? Here are your “Must-Do’s:”

1. Register for our Building your Brand Workshop 10/02/25

o https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/workshops

2. These are those Mentioned Videos:

o The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fR_clXjZ-4&list=PLdguFjdYMwqWXnvIeSAIhDrtPdHdsLGde

o What’s Holding You Back Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg5oof2vv7Q&list=PLdguFjdYMwqUaLR6jMeDUgP0cntaIJJ-Y

o Put a Stop to Perfectionism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klxaMDeQCXU

o Building your Brand Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRK7Ep29SkQ&list=PLdguFjdYMwqVLPsFZjl-Do8eH7leltW8O

o Get your copy of The Career Woman’s Secret Playbook!

o Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Career-Womans-Secret-Playbook

Contact Me!

o https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/book-online

Grab your Freebies!

o https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/career-secrets

https://www.youtube.com/@drdawnshoptalk/podcasts