Confidence isn’t something only a lucky few possess. It’s something you can attain if you work for it. However, there are phrases and actions confident people say that continue to fuel their confidence to speak assertively without being rude. Their voices are heard, and they gain self-assurance.
If you’re curious about phrases you can apply to sound more confident, keep reading. Here, we dive into phrases confident people use that you can apply to your daily interactions.
1. “I believe…”
Claiming ownership over your beliefs oozes confidence. It’s easy to believe in yourself when things are going well; when things aren’t is another story. The next time you’re in a rut, hold true and express your beliefs. It won’t be easy, but you’ll gain more confidence within yourself by practicing this phrase in front of others and amongst yourself.
2. “In my experience…”
If you have experience in a topic, let others know. You’ll have more credibility sharing your opinion based on your personal experience rather than sharing your thoughts on something you’ve never done. Don’t be afraid of being wrong. The goal of letting others know you’ve personally experienced something is to offer additional insight.
3. “I’m confident/certain that…”
“I’m confident that” is a bold statement that lets others know you’re confident in your point of view. If your judgment is well-perceived, it will gain you credibility over time and confidence in your point of view. If your statement is wrong, however, it can backfire. For example, if you make others feel bad about their opinions and claim yours is correct, you could receive backlash if you’re wrong.
4. “I would like to add…”
No one likes rude people. After hearing someone’s point of view, it’s okay to add your two cents. However, it’s important to do so cautiously. Avoid undermining someone else’s opinion. Instead, politely let them know you want to add to their statement.
5. “From my perspective…”
You don’t have to agree with everyone, but you don’t have to be afraid to share a different perspective. By letting others know you’ll be sharing from your point of view, you acknowledge people’s opinions while letting others know your stance on something. Doing so invites people to consider your unique point of view without forcing anyone to agree with it.
6. “I agree. However…”
You don’t always have to outright disagree with someone else’s opinion. By openly agreeing with others while openly acknowledging being open to other ideas, you leave the floor open for more flexibility. Despite agreeing, you may respectfully offer suggestions for the existing idea.
7. “Let’s consider…”
Working with a group of people isn’t easy. Instead of being afraid of confrontation, you can assertively position yourself as a leader by putting your opinion up for consideration. You’re not forcing others to agree with you. Instead, you’re inviting them to consider your option as a potential choice.
8. “Based on what I know…”
Instead of blindly stating your opinion, share with others what you know about a topic. This justifies your stance and educates people in case they’re unfamiliar with the topic. For example, if you’re cooking pizza, it’s easier to believe someone who’s cooked pizza in the past than someone who’s only watched YouTube videos.
9. “I feel strongly about…”
Speaking up doesn’t always have to mean you’re right. Letting others know a topic is important to you is enough to show you’re confident and value your opinion. Ultimately, no one is always right, and it’s best to continue to learn from others.
10. “My understanding is…”
People appreciate being heard. When you acknowledge someone else’s point of view, they become less defensive and more receptive to what you have to say. If you’re not being heard, you won’t want to listen to someone share their perspective. Always listen to what others tell you.
11. “It’s important to me that…”
Instead of saying “I want,” consider saying, “It’s important to me.” It’s less demanding and lets others know how you truly feel. You can want a lot, but not everything will be important. By carefully tailoring your language when it matters, you can speak assertively without being aggressive.
12. “I propose that…”
Everyone solves problems every day. Whether it’s figuring out how to get to work after your car broke down or solving complex problems at the office, people will be more receptive if you propose solutions to problems because it’ll lighten their load. Additionally, by taking the initiative to propose something, you position yourself as a leader who’s confidently making a suggestion.
13. “I can commit to…”
It’s subtle, but letting others know you can commit to something builds trust. It’s common for people not to say anything when asked for help. They might even change the topic. Acknowledging that you can commit to something lets others know your priorities and builds trust that you will be honest when you can’t do something.
14. “I assure you…”
Offering reassurance when someone has doubt shows you have confidence and are willing to put your credibility at stake. You don’t always have to be right, but it’s wise not to overuse this, as you’ll slowly lose credibility if you carelessly make promises you can’t keep. If used properly, the opposite happens.