7 confident phrases that instantly make people respect you more

Ever heard the saying “It’s not what you say, but how you say it”?

Well, I’m here to tell you that’s only half the story.

Sure, your tone, body language, and delivery play a significant role in how your message is perceived. But let’s not downplay the importance of the words you actually use.

Especially if you’re aiming to command respect.

So, how do we harness the power of words to our advantage?

Simply put, by incorporating confident phrases into our everyday speech.

In this article, I’ll share seven confident phrases that, when used appropriately, can instantly make people respect you more. Trust me, these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill phrases – they’re game-changers.

So if you’ve been wondering “How can I earn more respect?”, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive right in.

1) “I respect your perspective”

Now, this phrase might seem straightforward. Almost too simple, right?

But let me tell you – it’s a powerhouse.

See, when you say “I respect your perspective,” you’re doing a couple of things simultaneously.

First off, you’re acknowledging the other person’s viewpoint.

This shows that you’re a good listener, and that you genuinely value their thoughts and opinions.

Secondly, it’s a subtle way of asserting your confidence.

You’re essentially saying, ‘I’m secure enough in my beliefs to respect yours too.’

And lastly, respecting someone else’s perspective doesn’t mean you have to agree with them. It’s about demonstrating empathy and understanding.

Trust me, people will respect you for it.

2) “I stand by my decision”

This is one phrase that I’ve found to be incredibly effective in my own life.

Picture this. I was in a team meeting, and we were discussing the best approach to a project.

I proposed a strategy that was a bit unconventional, and naturally, there were a few raised eyebrows.

Instead of backtracking, I looked at my colleagues and said, “I stand by my decision.”

Now, I wasn’t dismissing their concerns or ideas. But I was confidently asserting my belief in the strategy I proposed.

What happened next? The room went quiet for a moment, then one by one, my colleagues started voicing their support.

Why? Because that phrase had shown them that I was confident in my decision. It showed them that I was ready to take responsibility for the outcome.

And let me tell you – it made them respect me more.

So next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to assert your confidence, remember – “I stand by my decision” can be one powerful phrase.

3) “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”

There’s a common misconception that admitting you don’t know something is a sign of weakness. But in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

The phrase “I don’t know, but I’ll find out” is not an admission of defeat, but rather a demonstration of humility and curiosity.

We’ve all been there. That moment when someone asks a question and you’re drawing a blank.

You could try to bluff your way through with some vague response, but let’s be honest, that rarely works out well.

Instead, admitting that you don’t have the answer shows that you’re okay with not knowing everything. It shows that you’re committed to learning and growing.

Moreover, following it up with “but I’ll find out” takes it a step further. It shows initiative and determination.

4) “I believe in you”

There’s something incredibly empowering about someone expressing their belief in us, isn’t there?

Well, that’s exactly what the phrase “I believe in you” can do.

It’s not just about making the other person feel good (although that’s a nice bonus). This phrase also shows that you’re someone who sees potential in others and is not afraid to vocalize it.

When you tell someone “I believe in you,” you’re essentially providing them with a boost of confidence. You’re showing them that you have faith in their abilities and potential.

Research published in the Harvard Business Review suggests that leaders who demonstrate warmth and respect for others, such as by expressing belief in their abilities, are often perceived as more effective and commanding of respect.

And here’s the secret sauce – when you uplift others, they often see you as a source of positivity and inspiration. And naturally, this increases their respect for you.

So don’t hesitate to express your belief in others. It’s a small phrase with a big impact.

5) “No, I can’t do that”

Did you know that the ability to say “no” is actually considered a sign of emotional intelligence?

Daniel Goleman, the psychologist who popularized the concept of emotional intelligence, highlights that understanding and managing emotions are key components of effective leadership and communication.

Yes, you heard it right.

The phrase “No, I can’t do that” is one that many of us struggle with, due to a fear of disappointing others or appearing uncooperative.

However, it’s important to remember that saying “no” when necessary is not only healthy but also an indication of self-respect and assertiveness.

When you confidently express your inability to do something, whether it’s due to time constraints, conflicting responsibilities, or simply because it doesn’t align with your values, you’re showing others that you respect yourself enough to prioritize your needs.

And you know what’s interesting? When you demonstrate self-respect, others tend to follow suit.

6) “I understand how you feel”

Empathy is a powerful tool in any relationship, and the phrase “I understand how you feel” can be a testament to this.

Let’s break it down.

When someone is sharing their thoughts or emotions, they’re often looking for understanding, not necessarily advice or solutions.

That’s where this phrase comes in. “‘I understand how you feel’ is a powerful way to say, “I’m here for you. I recognize and validate your feelings.”

This shows that you’re someone who listens, who cares, and who values emotional honesty.

And these traits can significantly increase the respect others have for you.

7) “Let’s find a solution”

When faced with a problem, it’s easy to get caught up in assigning blame or dwelling on the issue.

But that’s not what leaders do. Leaders focus on solutions.

The phrase “Let’s find a solution” is a clear demonstration of this solution-focused mindset.

It shows that you’re not just interested in discussing problems, but in actively resolving them.

This approach creates positive change while also positioning you as someone who takes action—proactive and constructive.

These are qualities that command immense respect.