Whether dealing with clients, coworkers or superiors, how you phrase and frame your message colors the way people perceive you. The words you choose may be the difference between being thought of as problem-solver or a problem.  Words are very important because they shape not only how other people hear you, but how they feel about you.

In an informal poll of communication experts and career advisers, these phrases were voted the worst things to say in your career.

I think…

It’s called a “discounting phrases.” They make you seem less authoritative and reduce the power of the message. The statement, “I think this is the best strategy,” is much weaker than, “This is the best strategy.” Likewise, eliminate prefaces like “I want” or “I’d like to.” So, rather than saying, “I want to thank you,” simply say, “Thank you.”

I don’t know.

You think that’s being honest, but it’s really a cop out. It can be seen as lazy and not willing to take the next step. Instead, say: “Let me find out the answer.” Similarly, saying, “I don’t know how to do that,” is better framed as, “Where could I get help to learn how to do that?” Then, you’re bridging the solution.

I’ll try.

The word ‘try’ implies the possibility it may not get finished; it presupposes possible failure. If your boss asks for a proposal first thing in the morning and you respond, “I’ll try to get it finished,” you’re undermining yourself and putting doubts in your boss’s mind. Instead, say, “I’ll have it on your desk by 9 a.m.”

It wasn’t my fault.

If someone asks what went wrong, they may not even be blaming you, so immediately diverting blame only draws attention to it. Take the higher ground, and try to be a problem solver. Say, “Let me try to better understand what happened,” or, “Let’s figure out how we can prevent it from happening again.”

But wait!  There's more!  Read the entire list here.