I believe is a powerful statement, one that leaves little room for discussion.

It is challenging to move from there, and often the only way forward for an argument based on I believe is to go back and exit it. It quickly becomes a matter of who is going to get tired first and withdraw.

We use I believe more often then we should. And we often leave it hanging between facts and opinions, increasing vagueness when we would actually bring a contribution to a matter we care about.

Some alternative ways that have more power to move the conversation past the current state.

I know ..

The numbers show ..

Our mutual understanding is based on ..

I would prefer ..

And the most powerful of all.

What do you believe?