While we can’t force anyone to trust us, we can at least make it a little easier for other people. Through our actions – and words.
If other people trust us and see us as credible and reliable, that is fundamentally an advantage for us. Ultimately, they will then look at us less critically, will be more likely to assume good things about us when in doubt, and will be more open to us. The best way to appear credible is to actually be one – and that usually requires appropriate behavior and actions. Keeping promises, living what we say, being there when needed, staying when it matters. Above all, credibility goes hand in hand with consistency and stability.
On the other hand, credibility can be reflected in what we say, and our words can make it easier for other people to recognize us as a trustworthy person. The following sentences, among others, can express credibility.
5 sentences that make you seem particularly credible
“I didn’t understand that, what do you mean?”
Many people certainly find it pleasant when the person they are talking to immediately understands everything they say and doesn’t have to ask any questions. However, this case is not particularly realistic – and most people know that or at least suspect it.
Misunderstandings are just as much a part of communication as talking past each other and not easily understanding each other. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, motivations, thoughts and lives, so it is impossible for us to be able to easily engage with the perspectives of those around us all the time without having to tell them from time to time what we need from them. Admitting this shows not only honesty, but also interest, attention and respect.
“I do not think so.”
Most people find it easier to agree with others than to disagree with them. And most people would rather hear agreement than objection. But very few people believe that a person can always have their own opinion. For good reason.
It’s easy for many people to understand that two different people see the world from different perspectives and that their views sometimes differ. Ultimately, this is what makes the exchange and communication so exciting and enriching: we can compare our perspective with others, put it to the test, expand it, modify it. That’s why most people respect people who disagree with them – as long as they do it occasionally and not every time as a matter of principle – and generally rate them as more trustworthy than those who seem to agree with them on everything.
“I don’t know that.”
Nobody can know everything. In fact, compared to what there is to know, each individual human being can know very little. Nevertheless, many people are ashamed when they don’t know something and try to hide their gaps as much as possible. To appear more competent and credible. Aside from the fact that they can be exposed and then look worse than if they had been honest, many people appreciate it when someone is aware of their own limitations and is open about them. In most cases, admitting ignorance appears more credible and competent in the long term than feigning omniscience.
“I don’t want to say anything about it.”
The desire to be included and belong can sometimes lead us to speak out on topics that we would rather remain silent about. For example politics. Or gossip. Blasphemy in particular can give us the feeling of building a special connection and trust with the person we are talking to. But if the relationship is otherwise only superficial: How does this person know that we are not gossiping about them to others, as we are currently doing to them about others? She may not think about it at the moment, but the thought could come to her in the next quiet minute at the latest. Those who set clear boundaries, stand by their own values and hold back on personal taboo topics usually appear much more credible, loyal and reliable than people who have a say in everything.
“What do you think about it?”
Most people instinctively mirror how others encounter them. If someone attacks them and becomes loud, they are more likely to scream back than if a person speaks to them in a friendly manner and offers them chocolate. Something similar happens when we ask a person about their perspective or assessment: we signal to them that we consider it valuable and relevant and that we classify them as credible and competent. We signal to him trust, which he usually reciprocates instinctively – and if he questions it, he will probably attest to our intelligence and good knowledge of human nature. Finally, we realized that we might be interested in what he thinks.
Sources used: hackspirit.com, rd.com