OBJECTION HANDLING
7 Phrases to Avoid in Sales, and What to Say Instead
November 9, 2026 · 2 MIN READ · THE DRILLO TEAM
The call went well. The buyer was friendly and nothing went wrong. A week later it has gone quiet, and you cannot point to the moment it cooled off. Small phrases can signal weakness or create doubt for the buyer. They are small, and a buyer registers tone even when they cannot name why something felt off. Here are seven of them, and what to say instead.
1. Instead of "Sorry to bother you"
Apologizing for showing up makes you an inconvenience instead of a solution. You are calling to help with a problem they want fixed. Promise them a short call instead.
I'll keep this brief.
2. Instead of "To be honest"
Saying "to be honest" implies you were not being honest before that moment. It puts a question mark over the ten minutes before it. Use a direct phrase to name the trade-off instead.
Here's the real trade-off.
3. Instead of "No problem"
The phrase "no problem" suggests a problem could have existed. It adds an unnecessary idea to a simple thank you. Use a word that carries no such meaning.
Of course.
4. Instead of a guess
A buyer asks a question you do not know the answer to. You might feel a reflex to give an answer that sounds right. And they do find out later. They want a true answer instead of a fast one. Tell them you will get it and then do it today.
Good question. I want to give you a real answer, not a guess. Let me check today and text you this afternoon.
5. Instead of "We can discount it"
Offering a discount too early tells the buyer the first price was not real. They start to wonder if your original number was honest. You can shift the focus back to the value of the plan.
Here's what this is actually worth to you.
The whole conversation for holding your price without a discount →
6. Instead of "Let me know if you're interested"
The phrase "Let me know if you're interested" puts the work on the buyer. They have to decide what happens next and find a time to call you back. Two concrete options give the buyer an easy way to respond.
Does Tuesday evening or Thursday morning work better for you?
7. Instead of "Just checking in"
The phrase "Just checking in" tells the buyer you have nothing new to offer. It shows you are only counting the days until they decide. Give them a reason to reply instead.
Quick update for you.
Seven follow-up texts to send when a lead has already gone quiet →
The confident version has to be the true one
Do not swap in confident words if you doubt the plan is worth the price. Your tone carries most of the weight. More so on a call, where they cannot see your face. If you do not believe it helps them, they will not either. Fill the gaps with the truth instead of pressure. Say the important things quietly.
Say it before you need it
Phrases like "sorry to bother you" and "just checking in" come out automatically because of years of practice. The seven replacements only become natural after you say them out loud several times. Drillo is a pocket sales trainer app where you drill one moment at a time and roleplay against an AI buyer who hesitates like a real one. Run your first drill tonight, because the only thing that changes what you say in that moment is having said it before. Drillo is live on Google Play.
Not sure which habit is costing you most? The free Deal Diagnostic, 10 questions →