8 Phrases That Quietly
Push People Away

Each sounds polite. Each phrase shifts the action or confidence onto the other person. Here is what to say instead:

What you sayWhy it lands wrongSay this instead

"Have you had a chance to look at the proposal?"

Adds noise without value — centers your process, not their goal.

"Since we last spoke, I came across something you might find useful..."

"Let me know if you need anything else."

Polite, but hands the next step to them. You stop leading.

"I've been thinking about what you said — would it help if I shared a few ideas?"

"We'd love to be considered for this."

Sounds passive — like a vendor hoping to be picked.

"We've helped others in similar situations — happy to share what worked."

"If the price is too high, we can work something out."

Signals doubt in your own value and invites haggling.

"We have a few approaches depending on what matters most — want to explore them together?"

"Are you the final decision-maker?"

Feels transactional; can make your contact feel sidelined.

"Who else should we include so this has the impact you're after?"

"Let me walk you through our capabilities."

Focuses on you, not them — you miss what actually matters.

"Mind if I ask a few questions to tailor this to what matters most to you?"

"Can I send you a proposal?"

Moves too fast — asks for commitment before trust.

"If it makes sense, we could sketch a few options together. Want to explore that?"

"No pressure — just following up one last time."

Undermines your presence; suggests you're disengaging.

"Whether now's the right time or not, I'll send something next week that might help."

The pattern: Lead with their Goals, Keep Ownership of the Next Step, and Trade Pressure for Genuine Usefulness and Ideas.