professional writing
communication skills
LinkedIn presence
content writing
business writing
personal branding
career development
You made youself forgettable
Discover why phrases like 'I think what I'm trying to say is...' kill your credibility. Learn to write with conviction and avoid empty calories.
Nigel Jay Cooper
Co-Founder & Chief Storyteller. Literary fiction author and product builder.
24 January 2026
LinkedIn Profile"I think what I'm trying to say is..."
That sentence just cost you the post. You lost your reader's trust because it admits you weren't sure in the first place, so why should they be?
Andy Lambert calls this type of thing 'empty calories'... sentences that feel like substance but deliver nothing.
They don't clarify or add nuance, they just apologise for existing.
The original point was clear, then you softened it. Then you explained it. Then you circled back to make sure no one misunderstood.
You lack conviction because you added one sentence to protect yourself when you didn't need to.
You made yourself forgettable.
++ I'm Nigel, creator of Ghostart. I help professionals develop an authentic presence on Linkedin for career growth, professional development and to raise awareness of their company or brand.
That sentence just cost you the post. You lost your reader's trust because it admits you weren't sure in the first place, so why should they be?
Andy Lambert calls this type of thing 'empty calories'... sentences that feel like substance but deliver nothing.
They don't clarify or add nuance, they just apologise for existing.
The original point was clear, then you softened it. Then you explained it. Then you circled back to make sure no one misunderstood.
You lack conviction because you added one sentence to protect yourself when you didn't need to.
You made yourself forgettable.
++ I'm Nigel, creator of Ghostart. I help professionals develop an authentic presence on Linkedin for career growth, professional development and to raise awareness of their company or brand.
Connect with me on LinkedIn | Ghostart Platform
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