Avoid Minimizing Language

Minimizing language is a form of verbal self-sabotage. When you say 'just a small idea' or 'only a minor suggestion,' you cue listeners to assign less value to what follows, an effect consistent with how anchoring shapes expectations. Minimizers often come from a wish to seem humble or to soften possible rejection, but they tend to backfire: research suggests pre-emptively devaluing your contribution doesn't earn kinder judgment, it simply lowers the bar others measure it against. Your framing becomes the lens through which listeners evaluate your ideas.

“I have an idea that could help. Here's my suggestion.”