A group of bloggers who cover corporate and business news were recently asked to list phrases that spark concern a business or person lacks authenticity.

Some of those listed:

• “We are an innovative company” – that’s become an empty promise, bloggers said.
• “This deal is a win-win” – bloggers said few deals, if any, are a win-win.
• “Thinking/working/planning outside the box” – labeled as classic, empty corporate speak.
• “We’re not here to talk about the past” – a clichéd, not-so-clever way to avoid an unpleasant topic.

Source: Interviews conducted by Gotham Research Group and the 10 company.

Tags: authenticity, fake, phrases