Maddeningly Detracting Phrases (Part 1 of Many Such Posts)

   Consider the number of phrases you hear – and use – that take away from your message when you speak and write. I heard myself say "positively wonderful" to a client this morning. Do you know of something that is wonderful that is not positive? Here are some more phrases that come to mind right away:

• Positively wonderful (already noted this one).
• For those of you who don't know me, my name is… (What is my name for those of you who DO know me?)
• Without further ado… (By the way, I have "further ado"s available for sale if you are without them.)
• Awfully annoying (Just like these phrases! What is annoying without being awful in the first place?)
• To be truthful… (So, you are usually NOT truthful?)
• In all honesty… (Ditto the above.)
• Now, don't get mad, but… (Doesn't that preface get your blood boiling even BEFORE you hear what follows the "but…"?)'

OK you word-masters! (In true Star Trek and military vernacular, "masters" applies to men AND women.) What phrases do YOU find maddeningly detracting? How's "maddeningly detracting" for another phrase?