You’re fluent. You’re smart. You’ve got experience and ideas that matter.

But here’s the truth: in high-stakes environments, it’s not just what you say - it’s how people experience your communication.

And often, the habits that hold professionals back aren’t glaring grammar mistakes. They’re subtle patterns that quietly erode clarity, confidence and credibility.

Let’s look at 5 common communication habits that might be getting in your way - and how to fix them with practical strategies.

1. Defaulting to generic phrases that say nothing

“Let’s take it to the next level.”
“We need to be on the same page.”
“Let’s touch base about the deliverables.”

These phrases sound business-like but they don’t say much. They’re fillers. And when they show up too often, your message becomes forgettable.

Why it doesn’t work:
Generic language makes it hard for others to act on what you’ve said. It can also make you seem like you're hiding behind buzzwords instead of thinking clearly.

What to do instead:
Be specific. Be concrete. Say what you mean.

“Let’s build on this success by targeting a wider audience.”
“Can we agree on the delivery timeline and roles today?
“Let’s meet to finalise the client proposal before Friday.”

Precision = credibility.

2. Speaking in one long sentence with no pauses

This often happens when nerves take over:
“So the first thing is the strategy and then we also need to look at the numbers which is why I think maybe we should delay the launch just a little and also we have to tell the client so…”

You know what you’re trying to say but your audience is lost.

Why it doesn’t work:
You may sound unsure or scattered, even if your message is strong. And when people feel overwhelmed, they stop listening.

What to do instead:

• Break your thoughts into parts.
• Pause. Give your audience a moment to absorb it.

“There are two issues here. First, the strategy. Second, the numbers.”

Structure your speech the way you’d write a great email: clear, calm, organised.

3. Not adapting your style to the channel

Some professionals use the same tone in every format:
• Too formal in casual calls
• Too informal in client emails
• Too stiff in presentations

Why it doesn’t work:
It creates confusion or mismatch. People feel like something’s off — even if they can’t explain why.

What to do instead:

• Adjust your tone to suit the channel.
• Ask: “What’s the goal — and what tone will help me get there?”
• Email: clear, focused, professional
• Call: natural, collaborative
• Presentation: confident, structured, warm

Adapt your delivery the way you’d change your outfit for different settings.

4. Hiding behind slides or scripts

Do you find yourself reading every word in a presentation? Or sticking so closely to your notes that it feels like a script?

Why it doesn’t work:
You lose the human connection. Instead of speaking to people, it can feel like you’re performing at them - and that erodes trust. That makes it harder for people to trust or remember you.

What to do instead:

• Know your key points - then speak to people, not at them.
• Use the slides as prompts, not crutches.
• Make eye contact. Let your tone reflect real connection.

Credibility grows when you sound like a real person, not a script.

5. Ignoring your tone of voice and delivery

Even when your words are right, your voice might be sending a different message:
Flat tone = sounds bored
Fast delivery = sounds anxious
High pitch = sounds unsure

Why it doesn’t work:
People respond to energy before content. If your voice sounds uncertain, rushed or disengaged, your message loses impact — no matter how accurate it is.

What to do instead:

• Slow down. Let your voice breathe.
• Use vocal variety - shift tone, pace and emphasis.
• Pause strategically to give weight to your words.

Your voice is part of your leadership brand. Use it on purpose.

Final Thought
You don’t need to be a native speaker, a “public speaker” or an extrovert to sound credible.

You just need to be strategic about how you use English in professional spaces.

Small changes in tone, phrasing and presence can completely change how your ideas come across -and how people respond to you.