Never Use "Honestly" in a Truthful Statement

One of my biggest pet peeves is someone who describes a statement using the term honestly. 

Why?  Because there is usually a hint of dishonesty in whatever is said.  It's a bad habit if you do it and usually a sign of insecurity about a statement or a sign that you are not telling 100% of the truth.  If you have to describe your statement as honestly it unusually means there might be a slight "white lie" in your statement.

This holds true, especially in the World of Wall Street and politics.  I hear statements like this often on TV and it immediately tells me this person might be full of shit.  It's a good thing to listen for if you are a contrarian investor.  I tend to run for the hills and avoid stock or company immediately if I hear management use this.

"Honestly, I really like it." "Honestly, I really don't know the answer." "Do you want my honest answer?"

Pay attention the next time you hear it and ask yourself what hidden agenda that person who said it might have.  Feel free to submit your examples below.  

The other statement I am starting to not like is also . . .  "Trust me".  

Using the word "honestly" in a statement doesn't necessarily imply that the statement itself is untruthful. The word "honestly" is often used as an adverb to emphasize sincerity, openness, or truthfulness. It can be employed to convey the speaker's earnestness or to indicate that what follows is a genuine and truthful expression of their thoughts or feelings.

While it's true that some individuals may use the word "honestly" as a filler word or as a way to draw attention to their honesty, it doesn't mean that every use of "honestly" signifies deception or untruthfulness. Context, tone, and other linguistic cues play a significant role in determining the intention and truthfulness behind a statement.

Ultimately, the use of the word "honestly" doesn't automatically negate the truthfulness of a statement. The content and sincerity of the statement itself should be evaluated independently to determine its truth value.

In the realm of communication, the word “honestly” is often employed to reinforce the truthfulness of a statement. Phrases like “Honestly, I think we should consider another approach” or “Honestly, I didn’t see that coming” are common. However, the use of “honestly” in such contexts can be misleading and potentially counterproductive. The reason? When you assert that you are being honest, it implies that there are times when you might not be truthful. This can erode trust and undermine the credibility of your communication.

The Implication of “Honestly”

When you prefix a statement with “honestly,” you inadvertently suggest that there is a possibility that your previous statements might not have been truthful. This subtle implication can make your audience question the sincerity of what you’ve said before, leading to unnecessary doubt and suspicion. For instance, if you say, “Honestly, I think we should go with option A,” it suggests that your previous statements about options B or C might not have been made with honesty. This can create a negative impression and reduce the perceived integrity of your communication.

The Power of Consistency

Effective communication hinges on consistency and reliability. When you consistently speak truthfully without the need for qualifiers like “honestly,” you build a reputation for integrity. People come to trust that your statements are genuine, which strengthens your credibility. Instead of relying on “honestly” to affirm your truthfulness, focus on the content and context of your message. Make sure your words are clear, direct, and based on facts and genuine opinions.

Enhancing Clarity Without “Honestly”

To enhance the clarity and impact of your statements, consider the following tips:

1. Be Direct and Specific: Clearly articulate your thoughts and reasons without the need for qualifiers. For instance, instead of saying “Honestly, I believe this is the best approach,” say, “I believe this is the best approach because…”

2. Use Supportive Evidence: Back up your statements with data, examples, or logical reasoning. This approach not only bolsters the truthfulness of your message but also demonstrates your expertise and thoughtfulness.

3. Focus on Intent: Make your intentions clear. If you aim to provide constructive feedback or share an opinion, communicate this intention upfront. For example, “I’d like to share my thoughts on this project to help us improve our outcomes.”

4. Cultivate a Culture of Transparency: Encourage an environment where open and honest communication is the norm. When honesty is part of the culture, there is no need for verbal qualifiers to establish the truthfulness of statements.

Conclusion

While “honestly” might seem like a useful tool to affirm the truthfulness of your statements, its use can often undermine the trust and clarity you aim to achieve. By focusing on clear, direct communication and building a foundation of consistency and transparency, you can enhance the impact of your messages and foster a more trusting and effective dialogue. Remember, true honesty doesn’t need an introduction; it stands on its own merits.