Why We Never Say, “Here’s What I’d Like to Tell You...”

Because everyone else is doing it!

Think about it: when you are a member of an audience and the sage on the stage says something like, “Here’s what I’d like to say…” What’s your reaction?

Probably much like mine. I tune out. The phrase and any iteration of it is redundant. It’s condescending (you’re saying it, duh? Do you need to clue me in to that fact?).

So many people use this verbal crutch as they communicate a message.

If you’ve uttered those words, you are absolutely correct: It was not your intent to make your audience tune out or to be condescending. But, based on what we know about brain science and the conscious and subconscious mind and the attention span of our average audience member, every word and phrase matters.

“Here’s what I’m going to say…” is simply a signal for people to check out.

Instead, let’s be frugal with our words.

Just say what needs to be said without telling people, “Here’s what I’m going to say…”