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In both personal and professional realms, confidence and assertiveness are indispensable. Yet, many struggle to express themselves with clarity and conviction, whether it’s voicing an opinion in a meeting or setting boundaries in relationships. The good news is that confidence isn’t always about how you feel—it’s often about how you communicate. The right words, used at the right time, can shift the power dynamics of any interaction in your favour.

Below are nine carefully selected phrases that can not only boost your confidence but also empower you to assert your presence in any conversation.

1. “I believe…”

This simple yet powerful phrase instantly establishes your opinion or viewpoint as valuable. It gives you authority, making others more likely to consider your perspective. Whether in a business setting or a casual discussion, starting with “I believe” frames your statement as something thought out and grounded in conviction.

Example: In a team meeting, you could say, “I believe that focusing on customer feedback will give us an edge in the next quarter.”

Effect: By beginning with “I believe,” you’re not imposing your ideas but expressing them confidently, encouraging others to take your input seriously.

2. “I am confident that…”

When you preface your statements with “I am confident that,” you exude certainty. This phrase is particularly useful in negotiations, interviews, or decision-making scenarios where others may seek reassurance from you. It subtly shifts the conversation by projecting an image of a person who knows what they are talking about.

Example: In a negotiation, you could say, “I am confident that we can deliver the project on time with the current resources.”

Effect: You create an aura of reliability and dependability, boosting both your confidence and that of others.

3. “That doesn’t work for me.”

Assertiveness is often about setting boundaries, and this phrase is an effective way to do so without being confrontational. It places the focus on you rather than accusing or blaming the other person, making it easier to stand your ground.

Example: In a relationship, you could say, “I understand your perspective, but that doesn’t work for me.”

Effect: This shows that while you acknowledge the other person’s viewpoint, you are firm in standing by what you believe is best for you.

4. “Let me clarify.”

Miscommunication can easily erode your confidence, especially in high-stakes situations. This phrase allows you to regain control of the conversation, ensuring that you’re understood the way you intend. It’s also a respectful way to address any confusion, minimising conflict while reinforcing your position.

Example: During a work presentation, you could say, “Let me clarify the objectives of this project to ensure we’re all on the same page.”

Effect: You’re not only asserting control of the conversation but also ensuring clear communication.

5. “No, but thank you for asking.”

Saying “no” can be one of the hardest things to do, especially in professional settings, but this phrase helps you decline requests politely yet assertively. It respects the other person’s offer while making it clear that you’re not available or willing to comply.

Example: In response to a workplace request, you could say, “No, but thank you for asking, I won’t be able to take on that task this week.”

Effect: You maintain your boundaries while preserving professional relationships, enhancing your assertiveness without offending others.

6. “I need more information.”

This phrase gives you control of a situation where you might feel uncertain or pressured to make a decision. By asking for more information, you position yourself as thoughtful and careful, which shows both confidence and assertiveness.

Example: In a team meeting, you could say, “I need more information before I can commit to a deadline.”

Effect: Instead of making hasty decisions, you demonstrate confidence in your ability to evaluate situations carefully.

7. “Here’s what I propose.”

Instead of passively waiting for someone else to come up with a solution, offering a proposal puts you in a leadership role. It shows that you’re not just reactive but proactive, an essential trait for both confidence and assertiveness.

Example: During project discussions, you could say, “Here’s what I propose—let’s allocate extra resources to the marketing team to meet the deadline.”

Effect: By offering solutions, you demonstrate leadership, asserting your influence in decision-making.

8. “I see your point, but…”

When you need to disagree with someone or present an alternative viewpoint, this phrase helps you navigate the situation diplomatically. It acknowledges the other person’s perspective while setting the stage for you to assert your own.

Example: In a debate, you could put forth your point by saying, “I see your point, but I believe we need more data to support that decision.”

Effect: You show respect for the other person’s input while standing firm on your position, balancing diplomacy with assertiveness.

9. “Let’s focus on solutions.”

It’s easy for conversations to get stuck in complaints or problems. This phrase allows you to redirect the conversation toward something constructive. It asserts your role as a problem-solver, showing confidence in your ability to drive positive outcomes.

Example: During a conflict resolution, you might say, “I understand the issue, but let’s focus on solutions rather than dwelling on what went wrong.”

Effect: You assert control by steering the conversation toward productivity and problem-solving.

Language is a powerful tool, and these nine phrases are designed to help you express yourself with confidence and assertiveness. By incorporating these into your everyday communication, you’ll find it easier to navigate challenging conversations, set boundaries, and project self-assurance. Remember, confidence often begins with how you speak, so choose your words wisely, and watch your influence grow.