5 Quick Wins for Executive English
Simple Changes You Can Make Today for Immediate Impact
Why Quick Wins Matter
You don't need perfect grammar to sound executive. You need strategic improvements in the right places. These 5 quick wins are the highest-leverage changes you can make—simple adjustments that create disproportionate impact.
The 5 Quick Wins
Replace 'I think' with 'I recommend'
'I think' sounds tentative. 'I recommend' sounds decisive. This one-word swap instantly elevates your authority.
Wrong:
"I think we should prioritize the API integration."
Right:
"I recommend we prioritize the API integration."
Why it matters:
'Recommend' signals you've analyzed the situation and reached a conclusion. 'Think' signals you're still uncertain.
Action Item:
In your next meeting, replace every 'I think' with 'I recommend' or 'My recommendation is...'
Start answers with 'Yes' or 'No' before explaining
Executives give the bottom line first, then explain. Junior professionals explain first, then maybe get to the answer.
Wrong:
"Well, there are several factors to consider, and the timeline depends on resources, so it's complicated, but probably yes."
Right:
"Yes. Here's why: [brief explanation]."
Why it matters:
Leading with the answer signals confidence and respects the listener's time.
Action Item:
Practice answering yes/no questions with 'Yes' or 'No' as the first word, then a 2-sentence explanation.
Use 'Here's what I need from you' instead of asking
Executives state needs clearly. Tentative language ('Could you maybe...?') undermines your authority.
Wrong:
"So, um, if it's not too much trouble, could you maybe send me the report when you get a chance?"
Right:
"I need the report by Friday at 3pm. Can you make that work?"
Why it matters:
Clear requests get clear responses. Tentative requests get delayed or ignored.
Action Item:
Next time you need something, state it directly: 'I need X by Y. Can you do that?'
Replace 'just' with nothing
'Just' minimizes your contributions. Delete it and your statements become stronger.
Wrong:
"I just wanted to follow up. I'm just checking if you had a chance to review this. Just let me know."
Right:
"I wanted to follow up. Did you have a chance to review this? Let me know."
Why it matters:
'Just' signals that what you're saying isn't important. Removing it signals confidence.
Action Item:
Review your last 5 emails and delete every instance of 'just.' Notice how much stronger they sound.
End meetings with 'Here are the next steps' not 'So, yeah...'
How you close a meeting determines whether action happens. Weak closings create confusion. Strong closings create momentum.
Wrong:
"So, yeah, I guess we should probably touch base next week or something."
Right:
"Here are the next steps: I'll send the proposal by Thursday. You'll review with your team by Monday. We'll reconvene Tuesday at 2pm to finalize. Sound good?"
Why it matters:
Specific next steps with owners and deadlines create accountability. Vague closings create inaction.
Action Item:
End your next meeting by saying 'Here are the next steps:' and listing 2-3 specific actions with owners and dates.
Robert Cushman
I help Latin American tech professionals communicate with executive-level confidence so they can close bigger contracts, command premium rates, and advance their international careers.
After coaching 200+ professionals from Smarttie, Grupo Kopar, Terramar Brands, and Sourceability, I know that what separates good from great in high-pressure meetings isn't vocabulary—it's leadership communication.