Carousel by Adrianna Hopkins

@adriannahopkins · August 14, 2026 · Location: Washington D.C.

Photo by Adrianna Hopkins on August 14, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, makeup, magazine, poster and text that says 'YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF. YOU JUST DON'T SOUNDLIK LIKE T. The phrases making you sound less senior than you are.'.

Photo by Adrianna Hopkins on August 14, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, people standing, magazine, suit and text that says 'When Whenyoulreinterrupted you're interrupted Instead of: "Sorry, wasn't finished..." Say: "Let me finish this thought.'.

Photo by Adrianna Hopkins on August 14, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, magazine and text that says 'When you don't know the answer Instead of: "Um, I'm not sure, I think maybe..." Say: Idon have that in front ofme. I'll get it to you by end ofday.'.

Photo by Adrianna Hopkins on August 14, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, magazine, office and text that says 'When Whenyou're you're giving your recommendation Instead of: "So yeah, that's kind of what I was thinking..." Say: "That's Ty recommendation. Here's why...'.

Photo by Adrianna Hopkins on August 14, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, makeup, magazine and text that says 'When someone someone challenges ypu Instead of: "Oh, um, well, I guess that'sa a fair point... Say: "Here's what I'm seeing."'.

Photo by Adrianna Hopkins on August 14, 2026. May be an image of one or more people, makeup, gown, dress, magazine and text that says 'When you're wrapping Whenyoulrewrappingup up Instead of: "Anyway, yeah, that's basically it... Say: 'That's the key . Questions?"'.

Adrianna Hopkins@adriannahopkins

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Post show, we have an editorial meeting where we pitch story ideas. A room full of sharp people, each making the case for the story they want to cover. The litmus test is fast: Why would the viewer care? What are the visuals? Who will you talk to? How does this move past what we already know? I’ve watched good ideas fall flat, not because the idea was weak, but because the reporter didn’t sound sure of it. And that’s half of the art of persuasion, isn’t it? It’s not just what you’re pitching. It’s whether the room believes you believe it. I’ve heard every version of the phrases on these slides. They quietly undercut you and your ideas. And every one has a swap that reads as authority instead of apology. You know your stuff. This is about letting your delivery match it. So be honest: which of these do you catch yourself saying? Or tell me the phrase you’re trying to break, and I’ll send you a swap for it. I read every reply. Comment SPEAK and I’ll send you my full Say This Instead cheat sheet, ten more phrases that make you sound like the expert you already are.