BE 459: Simple Swaps for Better Hedging in English

In this episode of the Business English Podcast, Lindsay and Michelle address a listener's question about using hedging phrases in English. They explore the balance between politeness and confidence, noting that overuse of phrases like "maybe" or "I think" can project weakness. They discuss the importance of considering context, confidence level, and the knowledge of others in the room when speaking. The hosts suggest using stronger hedging expressions such as "I believe" or "In my opinion" to sound more confident while still being polite. They provide examples and a role play to illustrate how to use these expressions effectively in business settings, emphasizing moderation and purposeful language choices to enhance connection and clarity.