I used to end EVERY explanation this way 👇 until I realized what it was doing to my presence 😬
#youvebeendoingitwrong #professionaltips #confidencematters #communicationskills #communication #confidence #selfimprovement
Ending explanations with "Does that make sense?" is a common speaking habit that can undermine your credibility and presence. This phrase, while well-intentioned, sends unintended signals to your audience that weaken your authority and effectiveness as a communicator.
When you ask "Does that make sense?" after explaining something, you're essentially inviting doubt. You're signaling uncertainty about whether your explanation was clear or whether your audience understood. This creates a subtle power dynamic where you appear less confident in what you've just said.
The phrase also puts listeners in an awkward position. Most people will nod or say yes, even if they didn't fully understand, because admitting confusion feels uncomfortable in the moment. This means you rarely get honest feedback, and your audience may leave feeling confused but unable to voice it.
Repeatedly using this phrase chips away at your perceived expertise. When you sound unsure about your own explanations, others begin to doubt your knowledge too. Strong communicators state their points clearly and trust their delivery. They don't constantly seek reassurance from their audience.
This habit is particularly damaging in professional settings—during presentations, client meetings, or leadership conversations. It can make you seem less authoritative, less prepared, or less confident in your role.
Instead of asking if something makes sense, try these approaches:
Make a clear statement. Simply end your explanation and move forward. Silence and confidence are powerful.
Invite specific questions. Say "What questions do you have?" or "What would be helpful to explore further?" This gives people permission to ask for clarification without admitting they're confused.
Check understanding directly. If you need feedback, ask "What's your takeaway from this?" or "How would you explain this to someone else?" These questions reveal actual comprehension.
Pause and observe. After explaining something important, pause and read the room. Watch for confused faces or body language that suggests you should elaborate.
Breaking this habit takes awareness and practice. Start by noticing when you use the phrase. Record yourself speaking, or ask a trusted colleague to point it out. Once you're conscious of it, you can catch yourself before saying it.
Replace the impulse with silence or a more direct question. The discomfort you feel in that pause is temporary—it's actually where your confidence grows. Your audience will respond to your increased assurance with greater trust in what you're saying.
Strong communication isn't about being perfect; it's about being clear and confident. Removing this one phrase is a simple but powerful way to strengthen your presence and impact.
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