What would you say?

July 27, 2012 by Eric

“Well, what I would say is…” I caught myself. I groaned quietly.

I thought to myself, what’s it mean to say, “What I would say is…”? Of course you would say it. You’re saying it! Why do we add it?

Are we weakening what we’re about to say because we don’t want to commit? Are we showing deference or sensitivity to our listener? Are we avoiding conflict?

“I’m not really saying this… but if I were to say something, this is what I’d say.”

I stopped. I rephrased.

“What I am saying is…” OK. That ‘s a little better. Best would’ve been to just say what I had to say. Obviously, I’m say it. My lips are moving. Sounds are coming out. The sounds form comprehensible language.

Extra words water down what we say. They undermine our credibility.

I would say it’s not a big deal. Unless we care about our credibility.

What would you say?