15 Phrases Confident People Use To Assert Themselves Without Sounding Arrogant

15 Phrases Confident People Use To Assert Themselves Without Sounding Arrogant

In a world where it’s easy to confuse confidence with cockiness, knowing how to stand your ground without coming off as a braggart is pretty important. Confident people have this knack for putting their points across in a way that’s strong but not overbearing, showing they’re sure of themselves but still down-to-earth and respectful. If you want to assert yourself without seeming arrogant and totally insufferable, try adding these phrases to your conversations.

1. “I think I can add some value to this.”

Picture this: Someone steps into a meeting, a project, or a conversation. They’re not there to steal the show, but they’ve got something solid to offer. When they say this line, it’s not about hogging the limelight. They’ve looked at what’s going on and thought, “Hey, I’ve got something useful to add here.” Maybe it’s a skill they’ve mastered, an experience they’ve had, or just a fresh perspective. It’s not about them showing off; it’s about them showing up, ready to contribute in a meaningful way.

2. “Based on my experience, I suggest…”

Here’s the deal with confident folks: they’ve been around the block a few times, and they’re not afraid to use what they’ve learned. When they bring up their experience, it’s not a bragging contest. They’re just pulling from their own backstories to add weight to their suggestions. It’s like they’re saying, “In my travels through work, life, whatever, I’ve picked up a thing or two, and here’s a nugget of wisdom that might help.” It’s sharing, not showing off.

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4. “Let’s find a solution that works for everyone.”

Think of this as the ultimate peacekeeping strategy. Confident people throw this phrase out there because they genuinely want to find a middle ground. They’re not about steamrolling over everyone to get their way. Instead, they’re like, “Okay, team, how do we make this work for all of us?” It’s about balancing different needs and ideas to find a solution that everyone can get on board with. They’re playing for Team Everyone, not just Team Me.

5. “I’m open to other perspectives.”

This one’s all about keeping an open mind. Confident people aren’t just stuck in their own heads. They know they don’t have all the answers, and they’re totally okay with that. By saying this, they’re inviting others to share their thoughts. It’s like opening the doors and saying, “Alright, let’s hear what you’ve got.” They value the melting pot of ideas because they know that’s how the best strategies are cooked up.

6. “I’m not sure about that, let me find out.”

Even the most confident folks hit a question they can’t answer sometimes. But instead of bluffing their way through or pretending to know it all, they’re straight-up about it. They’re like, “You know what? I don’t have the info on that, but give me a sec, and I’ll figure it out.” It shows they’re more committed to getting it right than just looking right. They don’t see not knowing as a weakness – it’s just another chance to learn something new. Smart people know never to pretend they’re up on something they know nothing about.

7. “I appreciate your input, but I feel differently.”

In any conversation, you’ll find confident folks know how to handle differing opinions with class. They’re not dismissive when someone shares a viewpoint that’s not in line with theirs. Instead, they’ll give a nod to the other person’s thoughts before sharing their own. It’s their way of saying, “I respect where you’re coming from, but here’s another angle to consider.” This approach keeps the conversation respectful and open, and it’s not about proving who’s smarter or better. It’s about acknowledging that different views can coexist and each has its own merit.

8. “Thank you, I worked hard on that.”

When someone throws a compliment their way, confident people don’t just brush it off or play it down. They take it in stride and acknowledge their efforts. It’s a simple yet genuine way to accept praise. They’re proud of what they’ve achieved and aren’t afraid to say so. This approach strikes a nice balance between humility and self-recognition. It’s like saying, “I put in the effort, and I’m glad it paid off,” without sounding boastful or overly humble.

9. “I’d love to take on that challenge.”

Confident individuals are often the first to step up when a new challenge arises. They don’t shy away from the unknown; instead, they embrace it as an opportunity to stretch their skills and grow. This mindset shows they’re not just cruising comfortably in their safe zone. They’re eager to learn and expand their horizons, and they approach new challenges with a mix of excitement and a pragmatic understanding that they might face hurdles along the way. It’s about being eager to tackle new things, knowing it will contribute to their personal and professional growth.

10. “Let’s talk about how we can improve.”

After a setback or when things don’t go as planned, confident people don’t get stuck in a blame game. Instead, they shift the focus to learning and improving. They understand that mistakes and failures are part of the journey and are more interested in what can be learned from the experience. This phrase shows they’re forward-thinking and solution-oriented. They encourage a positive discussion on improvements, focusing on future strategies rather than dwelling on past missteps. It’s about fostering a constructive and positive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow.

11. “I respect your opinion, but here’s another perspective.”

In moments of disagreement, confident people know how to express their differing viewpoints without offending others. They start by acknowledging and respecting the other person’s opinion, which sets a cooperative tone. Then, they introduce their own perspective, adding to the conversation without diminishing the other person’s view. This approach demonstrates that they value open dialogue and understand that multiple perspectives can provide a more rounded understanding of the topic at hand. It’s not about winning an argument; it’s about enriching the discussion with diverse viewpoints.

12. “I value your experience in this area.”

Confident people recognize and acknowledge the strengths and expertise of others. By saying this, they show they’re not trying to overshadow anyone. They understand that acknowledging someone else’s expertise doesn’t diminish their own. It’s like giving credit where it’s due, making the other person feel valued and creating a more cooperative atmosphere. This approach helps in building trust and respect, fostering a team environment where everyone feels their contributions are recognized.

13. “This is what I’m passionate about.”

When talking about their projects or ideas, confident people openly share their enthusiasm and passion. It’s not just about what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it. By expressing their passion, they invite others to understand their motivation and vision. This transparency often inspires others and draws them into the conversation, creating a more engaging and dynamic interaction. It’s about sharing their drive and excitement, which often encourages others to do the same.

14. “I’m committed to making this work.”

In situations that require perseverance and dedication, confident people express their commitment clearly. They’re not just there for the easy wins; they’re in it for the long haul, especially when facing challenges. This phrase shows their determination and reliability. It reassures others that they’re working towards a common goal and are dedicated to seeing things through, fostering a sense of dependability and steadfastness in their approach.

15. “I’m happy to take the lead on this.”

When there’s a need for someone to step up, confident people are quick to volunteer. They’re not afraid of taking on responsibility and are comfortable guiding a project or initiative. This willingness to lead shows their confidence in their abilities and their readiness to take on challenges. However, it’s not about seizing control; it’s about willingly stepping into a role that requires leadership and coordination, showing initiative and a proactive attitude.

16. “I’d like to add my perspective.”

In group discussions or meetings, confident people ensure their viewpoints are heard without interrupting or talking over others. They wait for the right moment and then assert their thoughts respectfully. It’s a way of contributing to the conversation without disregarding what others have said. This phrase shows they value collaborative discussions and are keen to add their insights to enrich the overall dialogue. It’s about being part of the conversation in a meaningful and considerate way.

Phoebe Mertens is a writer, speaker, and strategist who has helped dozens of female-founded and led companies reach success in areas such a finance, tech, science, and fashion. Her keen eye for detail and her innovative approach to modern womanhood makes her one of the most sought-out in her industry, and there's nothing she loves more than to see these companies shine.

With an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and features in Forbes and Fast Company she Phoebe has proven she knows her stuff. While she doesn't use social media, she does have a private Instagram just to look at pictures of cats.
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