A courtroom expert breaks down the #1 trust-killer in everyday speech
Summary 
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Most people use a single word that instantly weakens their credibility—without realizing it
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Trial attorney Jefferson Fisher reveals how it signals hesitation, insecurity, or deception
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This word is especially common in emails, interviews, and tense conversations
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Confident communicators deliberately eliminate it to gain authority and trust
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Fisher shares courtroom-tested techniques to speak with control, confidence, and connection
This post is a detailed summary of the video “The One Word All Liars Use! Stop Saying This Word, It's Making You Sound Weak!” from The Diary of a CEO featuring Jefferson Fisher. It breaks down how a single word can erode trust, the neuroscience of calm communication, and why most people unknowingly sabotage themselves in conversation. All communication insights and recommendations are based on Fisher’s courtroom-tested experience and expert teaching.
Who is Jefferson Fisher – and Why Should You Listen?
Jefferson Fisher isn’t your average speaking coach.
He's a board-certified trial attorney , a fifth-generation courtroom expert, and a viral educator with over 12 million followers . Every day, he trains clients to navigate high-stakes conversations where every word matters — from legal depositions to marriage arguments.
, a fifth-generation courtroom expert, and a viral educator with over 12 million followers . Every day, he trains clients to navigate high-stakes conversations where every word matters — from legal depositions to marriage arguments.“I teach people how to argue less and say more.”
If your words have ever been misunderstood, ignored, or used against you, this post — based on Fisher’s method — is worth every second.
The One Word That Instantly Lowers Trust
Let’s get to it. The word is "just."
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"I just wanted to check in."
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"Just wondering if you have a minute."
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"I just think it might be better if..."
Sound familiar?
Jefferson Fisher calls it the word that makes you sound like you don’t believe yourself.
“Every time you say ‘just,’ you’re telling the other person: I’m unsure. I’m hesitant. I don’t want to bother you.”
In legal contexts, it's the kind of word liars use to soften their stories. But even in everyday conversations, it weakens your message.
Instead of:"I just wanted to check if now is a good time."
Try this:"I wanted to check if now is a good time."
Less words. More power.
Why It Hurts More Than You Think
Liars talk too much. And they talk fast. They fill silences with words like "just," "maybe," or "I guess."
Why? Because they’re uncomfortable with silence. They feel the need to convince.
"The more words it takes to say something, the less true it sounds."
On the flip side, confident speakers:
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Breathe before they speak
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Pause after difficult questions
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Let silence create tension ️
️They don’t need to prove. They already believe what they’re saying.
The Real Reason We Get Triggered in Conversations
Here’s where things get surprisingly deep:
“You’re not reacting to the person in front of you. You’re reacting to something from your past.”
Many people explode in conversation not because of what was said — but because it hits an old wound:
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A teacher who made you feel stupid•
A parent who never listened•
A bully who humiliated you in 6th gradeWhen those old wounds get scratched, we get defensive. We rush. We over-talk. We say “just” and don’t even realize it.
Jefferson’s advice?
Breathe. Pause. Then ask yourself: Am I triggered by them, or by something older?Fisher’s Framework: Speak With Control, Confidence, and Connection
Jefferson Fisher’s signature formula is simple but powerful:
1. Say it with Control
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Start with a breath, not a word.
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Control your pace. Speak slower than you think you need to.
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In moments of tension, use silence as a shield.
2. Say it with Confidence
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Confidence isn’t volume. It’s clarity.
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Replace weak openers like "just", "sorry", and "maybe"
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Try: "I need...", "I believe...", "I’d like to..."
3. Say it to Connect
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Use phrases like:
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“I’m not trying to change your mind.”
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“What am I missing?”
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“Help me understand.”
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These phrases disarm defensiveness and invite real dialogue.
What To Do When Someone's Being Rude
Being disrespected? Here's Fisher's 3-step method:
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Pause for 5–7 seconds. Let their words hang in the air.
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Ask them to repeat it.
“Sorry, could you say that again?”
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Ask a question of intent.
“Did you mean for that to sound rude?”
This calmly forces them to examine what they said—and most people will walk it back.
“The most powerful person in the room isn’t the loudest. It’s the calmest.”
Final Thoughts: Your Words Shape Your World
If you take away one lesson from this post, let it be this:
“Just” is a trap. It makes you sound unsure, even when you’re right.
Drop it. Replace it with intention. Speak fewer words, but speak them well.Because when your words are strong, you are strong.
Ready to change how people see you? Start with how you speak.