11 phrases that instantly make you sound more confident and assertive

Ever felt nervous in a meeting or social event?

You’re not alone.

But sometimes it’s all about sounding confident, even if you’re not feeling it.

The words you use can make a big difference.

In this article, we’ll give you 11 phrases to use that can make you sound more confident and sure of yourself.

Ready to sound like a boss?

Let’s go.

1. “I’ve Got This”

Imagine you’re handed a challenging task at work. Instead of saying “I’ll try my best” or “I hope I can do it,” confidently state, “I’ve got this.”

These three simple words send a powerful message that you’re capable and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

Not only does it assure the people around you, but it also gives you a mental boost.

It’s a self-affirming mantra that helps you shift your mindset from doubt to determination.

So, when you’re faced with something that seems a bit tough, remember—say it loud and clear, “I’ve got this.

2. “No Problem”

Life’s messy and stuff comes up—mistakes, delays, you name it.

When something goes a little sideways and you’re on it, ditch phrases like “I’ll attempt to fix this” or “I hope this can be resolved.” Instead, go for “No problem.”

Why? Because “No problem” is like a verbal superhero cape.

It says you’re not just going to try; you’re going to handle it.

It’s a way to say, “I’ve got the skills to make this right, so don’t worry about it.”

Using “No problem” cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the point: You’re not phased by challenges, you’re ready to tackle them head-on.

3. “I Know What I’m Talking About”

Ever been in a situation where people are doubting your expertise or questioning your suggestions?

It can be frustrating, right?

In times like these, you might be tempted to say something like “I think this could work” or “This is just my opinion.”

While these phrases might seem polite, they can also make you appear less confident.

Instead, you might want to try saying, “I know what I’m talking about.”

Now, before you worry about sounding arrogant, let’s break it down.

This phrase doesn’t mean you’re claiming to know everything; it just means you’re confident about your specific knowledge or skill set.

When you say, “I know what I’m talking about,” you’re telling people to take you seriously because you have the experience or expertise to back up your claims.

This phrase is especially useful in work settings where you’re an expert in your field but still find yourself being second-guessed.

By making this bold statement, you not only command respect from others, but you also reinforce your own self-belief.

4. “Let’s Do It”

You’re in a meeting or a brainstorming session and the team’s tossing around ideas.

There’s a lot of “Maybe we could try this” or “What if we go in that direction?”

While these are good for exploring options, they don’t carry a sense of commitment or action.

Cut through the indecision with a straightforward and genuine, “Let’s do it.”

This phrase shifts the energy from contemplating to actually doing. It’s like saying, “Hey, we’ve talked enough, now let’s make things happen.”

It not only shows that you’re decisive, but it also encourages a collective action.

You’re telling the team that you believe in the idea and are committed to seeing it through.

And trust me, that level of confidence and initiative is contagious.

5. “I’ve Thought This Through, and Here’s My Plan”

We often find ourselves in situations where we need to explain our ideas or decisions.

You might be tempted to start with something like, “I was thinking maybe we could…” or “What do you guys think about…”

While these phrases invite collaboration, they can also suggest you’re not entirely sure of your own proposal.

Change the narrative with, “I’ve thought this through, and here’s my plan.” This phrase packs a punch for several reasons.

First, it demonstrates you’ve done your homework—that you didn’t just pull this idea out of thin air.

Second, by saying “here’s my plan,” you’re providing a roadmap, making it easier for people to trust and follow your lead.

Whether you’re pitching a new project, offering a solution to a problem, or simply trying to make your point in a discussion, using this phrase can give you the floor.

It says, “I’m serious, I’m prepared, and I’m ready to guide us through this.”

And who knows? Those around you might just lean in a little closer to hear what you have to say.

6. “Great to Meet You, I’ve Heard Wonderful Things”

First impressions are crucial, whether you’re at a networking event, job interview, or meeting your partner’s friends for the first time.

While a simple “Nice to meet you” is polite, it doesn’t say much about your enthusiasm for the meeting.

Elevate your introduction with, “Great to meet you, I’ve heard wonderful things.”

This phrase accomplishes several things at once.

First, it goes beyond the basic courtesy and shows that you’re genuinely pleased to make the acquaintance.

Second, it subtly suggests that you’re someone who pays attention and values relationships—you’ve heard about this person, and you’re pleased the two of you are finally crossing paths.

The phrase also sets a positive tone for the rest of your interaction. It makes people feel good about themselves, which in turn, makes them more open and favorable towards you.

7. “I Don’t Know, But I’ll Find Out”

You might think admitting you don’t know something would make you seem less confident, right?

Well, it’s actually the opposite. Saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out” is a power move. 

After all, it shows honesty. Pretending to know something you don’t can backfire and lead to mistrust.

Nobody knows everything, and that’s okay. What’s important is your willingness to seek the answers.

Furthermore, this phrase emphasizes your problem-solving skills. You’re not just admitting a gap in your knowledge; you’re committing to filling that gap. It tells people you’re proactive and reliable.

8. “That Doesn’t Work for Me”

We often find ourselves in situations where we’re asked to do something that we’re not comfortable with, whether it’s taking on more work when we’re already swamped or attending an event that we’d rather skip.

The default response for many of us is to grit our teeth and say, “Sure, okay,” even when everything inside us is screaming, “No!”

You need to set boundaries. That’s where “That doesn’t work for me” comes in.

This phrase is simple, but it’s an incredibly powerful way to assert yourself without being confrontational.

You’re not saying the idea or request is bad; you’re just stating that it doesn’t align with your needs or priorities.

People might be surprised when you use this phrase, especially if they’re used to you always saying yes.

And that’s a good thing. Being straightforward about what you can and cannot do shows that you value your time and well-being.

And when you make that clear, others are more likely to respect those boundaries too.

9. “I Could Be Wrong, But…”

This might sound like an odd one. After all, prefacing your statement with “I could be wrong” doesn’t immediately sound like a confident move.

But stick with me, because this phrase has hidden superpowers.

“I could be wrong, but…” is a fantastic way to introduce an idea or opinion that might be a little controversial or against the grain.

It shows that you’re open to discussion and willing to consider other perspectives, which is a hallmark of emotional intelligence.

In fact, being open to being wrong is one of the most confident things you can do. It’s a way of saying, “I trust my thought process, but I’m also open to hearing yours.”

When you use this phrase, you’re displaying humility, which can actually boost your credibility and make others more receptive to what you have to say.

It’s a subtle reminder that discussions are a two-way street, and you’re not just there to impose your views on others.

This phrase is particularly effective in sensitive discussions or debates. It sets the stage for a constructive conversation and lowers the defenses of the people you’re speaking with.

10. “Here’s How I See It”

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where everyone is talking around the issue or not really getting to the point. That’s when it’s time to step up and lay it all out.

Use the phrase “Here’s how I see it” to do just that.

By saying “Here’s how I see it,” you’re subtly asserting that your viewpoint has value, while also implying that you’re open to discussing it further.

It’s not an ultimatum, but rather an invitation for a constructive conversation.

This phrase can be particularly impactful in meetings or discussions where there’s a lot of ambiguity or indecisiveness.

It helps to focus the conversation and gives you the opportunity to share your perspective in an authoritative way.

While this phrase is straightforward, it comes with the implication that you’ve considered the issue at hand and have a reasoned viewpoint to share.

It’s a way of drawing people into your way of thinking without forcing it upon them, making you appear both confident and considerate.

11. “I Appreciate Your Perspective”

At first glance, this may not look like a phrase that oozes confidence.

You might think that agreeing with someone or valuing their opinion could make you seem less assertive.

But the reality is, it takes a secure person to acknowledge the views of others openly.

“I appreciate your perspective” is a versatile phrase you can use in various situations, from heated discussions to constructive feedback sessions.

It shows you’re listening, you’re processing what’s being said, and you’re considering it carefully.

Most importantly, it signals that you’re confident enough in your own beliefs and abilities to not feel threatened by different viewpoints.