Lorraine Lee, author of Unforgettable Presence, says dropping "I think" and saying "I recommend" instead makes you sound more confident. "I think we should eat here" becomes "I recommend we eat at that restaurant." One phrase sounds tentative, the other decisive.
What are those 2 words? I think. I learned this from Lorraine Lee, who's the author of Unforgettable Presence. She says these words weaken your message and make you sound unsure, even when you're right. It makes your ideas sound like suggestions. I think we should eat here. I think we should move this deadline. I think we should go. Next time someone asks your opinion, follow Lorraine's advice. Swap I think with I recommend. I recommend we eat at that restaurant. I recommend we move this deadline. I recommend we go. Sounds more certain, doesn't it? I recommend that you try it.
