—Say Earnestly Instead

How often have you heard someone say, “Honestly, I think…” or “To be honest with you…”? Sounds harmless, right? But think about it. When you say honestly or to be honest, what are you implying? Were you not being honest before? If this is your “honest” moment, should I assume your other moments are less truthful?

Language matters, especially in business. Words shape perception, build trust, and carry weight. And when you pepper conversations with “honestly,” you might unintentionally undermine yourself. Nobody wants to leave a lingering doubt about their integrity.

Here’s a better alternative: Earnestly.

When you say, “I earnestly believe…” or “In earnest, I feel…” it communicates something deeper. Earnestly means with sincere, urgent regard. It’s about conviction, passion, and focus. Unlike “honestly,” it doesn’t call your integrity into question. It highlights your commitment to the message.

Here’s why this matters:

• In Leadership: Your team needs to trust you all the time, not just in moments you label as “honest.”

• In Marketing: If your brand only claims to be “honest,” that bar is too low. Aim for earnestness—show people that your mission matters and that you’re all in.

• In Relationships: Whether professional or personal, people respect sincerity and urgency more than a vague promise of honesty.

This subtle shift in language can strengthen your credibility and communication. So, next time you catch yourself about to say “honestly,” pause. Ask yourself if earnestly says it better. Chances are, it does.

Let’s speak with integrity all the time—earnestly.