11 phrases confident people use to assert themselves (without sounding arrogant)

Ever noticed how some people can hold a room without acting all high and mighty?

They’re sure of themselves, but not bossy. They can get their point across without making others feel small.

This is no accident. It’s all about what they say, and how they say it.

In this article, we’ll reveal the 11 phrases these confident folks use to stand tall.

These aren’t just any phrases. They’re easy to use and can change the way people perceive you.

Ready to step up your confidence game? Let’s dive in and explore these phrases.

Remember, the aim here isn’t to be arrogant or overbearing, but to assert ourselves with grace and poise.

1. “I believe in this.”

Confident people are not afraid to express their beliefs and stand by them.

This phrase demonstrates a strong conviction, without undermining others’ opinions.

It’s not about saying “I’m right, you’re wrong.” It’s about saying, “This is what I believe, and here’s why.”

Using this phrase shows you’re not just following the crowd but have thought about your stance.

Plus, it encourages open dialogue—you’re sharing your belief, not forcing it on others.

So next time you need to make a point, try starting with “I believe in this.”

2. “I understand your perspective.”

When confident people disagree, they don’t resort to belittling or dismissing the other person’s point of view.

Instead, they acknowledge it with phrases like “I understand your perspective.”

This phrase shows respect for the other person’s opinion and opens the door for healthy, constructive discussion.

It’s not about agreeing with everyone; it’s about showing that you value their thoughts even when they differ from yours.

When you find yourself in a heated discussion, remember to pause, consider their point of view, and say, “I understand your perspective.”

3. “Here’s how I see it.”

This is another phrase that confident people often use, and I’ve found it to be incredibly helpful in my own life.

Saying, “Here’s how I see it,” allows me to share my thoughts without sounding overbearing or dismissive of others.

For example, during a team meeting at work, we were discussing changes to our project timeline.

Some team members were keen to push ahead, while others were hesitant. Instead of outright saying that I disagreed with rushing, I said, “Here’s how I see it. If we rush now, we might overlook important details and end up spending more time fixing mistakes. I propose we stick with our initial timeline.”

Using this phrase helped me express my opinion without undermining anyone else’s. It sparked a constructive conversation which eventually led us to a consensus.

4. “I appreciate your input.”

Confident people know the value of feedback, even when it’s not in their favor.

They use phrases like “I appreciate your input” to show they’re open to other viewpoints and ready to learn from them.

When we acknowledge others’ opinions, it not only fosters respect but also stimulates open-mindedness and creativity within a group.

So, when someone shares their thoughts with you, don’t forget to say, “I appreciate your input.” It might just lead to some amazing outcomes. 

5. “I have faith in your abilities.”

Confident people don’t just believe in themselves, they believe in others too. They use phrases like “I have faith in your abilities” to express their trust and confidence in others.

This isn’t just about being nice—it’s about building up those around you, which in turn strengthens your relationships and your team.

When you tell someone you have faith in their abilities, you’re not just giving them a compliment.

You’re giving them a boost of confidence, a reason to believe in themselves. This can be a game-changer, especially in challenging situations.

Remember, confident people build each other up. They inspire others to be the best they can be.

So whether it’s a colleague struggling with a project or a friend doubting their talents, let them know you have faith in their abilities. You might just give them the push they need to shine.

6. “I’m open to suggestions.”

In my experience, one of the most powerful ways to show confidence is to admit that you don’t know everything.

That’s why I often use the phrase, “I’m open to suggestions.”

For instance, when I was planning a surprise party for my best friend, I had some ideas but wasn’t sure if they were the best ones.

So, I turned to our mutual friends and said, “I’m open to suggestions.”

This not only allowed me to gather fresh ideas but also made others feel valued and included in the process.

Remember, being confident doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means knowing when to listen, learn and leverage others’ expertise.

Don’t hesitate to say “I’m open to suggestions” when you could use some help or fresh ideas. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

7. “I made a mistake.”

Nobody’s perfect. We all mess up sometimes. Confident people know this and they’re not afraid to admit it.

They say, “I made a mistake,” without hesitation because they understand that mistakes are part of life, part of growth.

Accepting your mistakes doesn’t make you weak or incompetent.

On the contrary, it shows you’re human and humble enough to learn from your blunders.

It’s like saying, “Yeah, I messed up. I’m not proud of it, but I’m not going to run from it either.”

So the next time you drop the ball, own up to it. Say, “I made a mistake.” Trust me, people will respect you for your honesty and humility. Plus, you’ll feel a lot better too.

8. “Let’s find a solution.”

Confident people prioritize solutions over problems. This approach isn’t just about optimism; it’s a powerful way to take control of a situation.

By focusing on solutions, you can move from a reactive to a proactive mindset, thereby reducing stress and increasing productivity.

The simple act of saying, “Let’s find a solution,” shifts the energy of a conversation from negative to positive.

It directs everyone’s attention toward constructive action, creating a sense of momentum and progress.

This can dramatically improve both individual and collective well-being.

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember the power of concentrating on the solution, not the problem.

9. “I can learn from this.”

Throughout my life, I’ve learned that every experience, good or bad, comes with a lesson.

That’s why I often say, “I can learn from this,” especially when things don’t go as planned.

A few years ago, I was working on a project that didn’t turn out as successful as I’d hoped.

Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I chose to see it as a learning opportunity. I sat down and thought, “I can learn from this. What could I have done differently? What will I do better next time?”

This simple phrase helped me shift my focus from failure to growth. It reminded me that every setback is a setup for a comeback.

So when you find yourself in a tough spot, remember to say, “I can learn from this.” It’s a powerful mantra that can help you turn any challenge into a stepping stone for success.

10. “I don’t know.”

Confident people don’t pretend to know it all.

They’re not afraid to say, “I don’t know.” It might sound counterintuitive, but admitting your ignorance takes guts. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s refreshingly humble.

We’ve all been there, when someone asks a question and you haven’t got a clue. It’s tempting to nod along or make something up on the spot.

But here’s the thing—people can usually tell when you’re bluffing. And nothing hurts credibility faster than pretending to know something you don’t.

So when you’re out of your depth, just say it: “I don’t know.” But don’t stop there. Follow it up with, “But I’ll find out.”

That’s how you turn a moment of vulnerability into a display of initiative and integrity.

11. “No.”

Just “No.” No explanations, no apologies. Confident people understand that they have the right to set boundaries and say no when necessary.

This is perhaps one of the most difficult phrases to use because we often fear it will make us seem unkind or uncooperative.

But here’s the raw truth: Saying yes when you want to say no doesn’t do anyone any favors. It leads to resentment, burnout, and inauthentic relationships.

So if something doesn’t sit right with you, if it doesn’t align with your values or priorities, it’s okay to simply say, “No.”

Trust me, real confidence comes from honoring your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to sound confident; it’s to be authentically confident. And that starts with being honest—with others and with yourself.