Confidence can be magnetic, can’t it? It’s that special something that draws others in and makes them want to listen. And guess what? It’s not just about body language or a firm handshake.
Confident people have a way with words that naturally invites others to engage. They use certain phrases that convey their self-assuredness and inspire confidence in others.
Now, I’m going to let you in on a secret. I’ve compiled eight key phrases that confident people use to draw others in. Are you ready to speak with confidence? Let’s dive in.
1) I believe…
In the realm of communication, there isn’t much that packs the same punch as a person exuding confidence.
One key phrase often used by confident people is “I believe…”. This statement is a clear and direct expression of their thoughts and convictions. It’s a phrase that asserts their perspective without being pushy or overbearing.
When someone says “I believe…”, it radiates certainty and assurance. It tells listeners that the speaker has given thought to their viewpoint, and they stand firmly by it. It also communicates respect, indicating that while they have their beliefs, they understand others may see things differently.
This phrase is powerful because it’s an open invitation for dialogue. It encourages others to listen, engage, and perhaps consider a fresh point of view.
But remember, authenticity is key. Use this phrase when you truly believe in what you’re saying. Feigned confidence is easy to spot and can quickly turn listeners off. Be genuine, and let your confidence shine through your words.
2) I’ve learned…
Another phrase that confident people commonly use is “I’ve learned…”. This phrase showcases their willingness to grow, adapt, and learn from their experiences.
Let me share a personal example to illustrate this. I remember a time early in my career when I was tasked with leading a major project. As expected, challenges arose, and mistakes were made. When presenting the project outcome to my seniors, I began by saying, “I’ve learned that diving into a complex endeavor requires more planning than I initially thought.”
By using the phrase “I’ve learned…”, I was able to express my growth from the experience while also acknowledging areas for improvement. It showed them that I was confident enough to recognize and admit my mistakes, learn from them, and use these lessons to improve in the future.
Remember, confidence isn’t about appearing flawless; it’s about acknowledging your growth areas and showing resilience in the face of challenges. Saying “I’ve learned…” does just that.
3) What’s your opinion?
Here’s another phrase you’ll frequently hear from confident people: “What’s your opinion?” This phrase not only shows respect for others’ thoughts and ideas, but it also demonstrates a willingness to listen and learn.
A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that leaders who ask for feedback are seen as more effective. The act of seeking out others’ opinions sends a clear message: you value their insight, and you’re open to growth and improvement.
Confident people understand that different perspectives can provide valuable insights that they might have missed. So, they’re not afraid to ask, “What’s your opinion?” It’s a phrase that fosters dialogue, encourages collaboration, and promotes learning. And in the process, it draws people in, making them feel valued and heard.
4) Let’s explore this together
“Let’s explore this together” is a phrase that confident people use to bring others along on their journey of discovery. It communicates their willingness to collaborate and learn, while also expressing their confidence in the collective abilities of the group.
By saying “Let’s explore this together”, they’re inviting others to share in the responsibility and ownership of the task at hand. It promotes a spirit of teamwork and inclusivity, making others feel more engaged and involved.
It also subtly communicates that they are comfortable with uncertainty. They don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. They’re confident in their capacity to navigate challenges and find solutions, together.
So, the next time you’re faced with a complex issue or task, consider inviting your team or peers to explore it with you. It’s a surefire way to foster collaboration while projecting confidence.
5) I appreciate your…
There’s a simple yet powerful phrase that confident people often use: “I appreciate your…”. It’s a phrase that conveys gratitude and recognition, and it has a profound impact on the people around them.
Expressing appreciation for others’ efforts, ideas, or contributions doesn’t just make them feel good. It also builds stronger connections and fosters a positive environment. When people feel valued and appreciated, they’re more likely to go above and beyond in their roles.
“I appreciate your help on this project,” or “I appreciate your insight,” are just a couple of examples. These types of statements show that you don’t take others for granted and that you value their contributions.
So, don’t hold back on expressing your appreciation. It’s a simple way to draw people in, making them feel seen, heard, and valued. And in the process, it’ll naturally showcase your confidence and warmth.
6) I don’t know, but I’ll find out
One phrase that confident people aren’t afraid to use is “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”. Admitting that you don’t have all the answers might seem counterintuitive when talking about confidence, but it’s actually a sign of strength and self-assuredness.
Take this scenario, for instance. During a team meeting, I was once asked about a technical aspect of a project that I wasn’t familiar with. Instead of fumbling for an answer or pretending to know, I said, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
This response accomplished two things. First, it maintained my credibility by not providing inaccurate information. Second, it showed my willingness and commitment to seek out the right answers. It was an admission of my lack of knowledge in that area, but it also communicated my resolve to learn and improve.
Remember, confidence is not about knowing everything. It’s about being secure enough to admit when you don’t know something and being proactive enough to learn.
7) That’s a great point
Confident people have a knack for making others feel valued and heard. One way they do this is by recognizing and acknowledging good ideas when they hear them, often using the phrase “That’s a great point”.
By saying this, they’re showing that they’re actively listening and appreciating the contributions of others. It’s a powerful way to validate someone’s thoughts or ideas, boosting their confidence in the process.
Moreover, it demonstrates that confident people aren’t threatened by others’ brilliance. They are secure in their own abilities and are happy to celebrate the strengths and insights of those around them.
So, make it a habit to acknowledge when someone makes a good point. It’s a small phrase with a big impact.
8) We can do this
Perhaps the most powerful phrase confident people use is “We can do this”. This simple yet impactful statement radiates positivity, optimism, and belief in collective abilities.
When you say “We can do this”, you’re not only expressing confidence in your own capabilities but also in the abilities of those around you. It’s a rallying cry that inspires action and fosters a sense of unity and teamwork.
This phrase is about more than just words. It’s about fostering a mindset of resilience, determination, and shared success. It’s about believing in the power of ‘we’.
So, whether you’re facing a challenge or embarking on a new venture, remember to inspire others with your confidence. Say it loud and clear: “We can do this”.
Final thoughts: The power of words
The beauty of communication lies in its ability to connect, inspire, and influence. And the phrases we choose to use can have a profound impact on those around us.
When wielded with authenticity and respect, words can become powerful tools for confident individuals. The phrases we’ve explored—”I believe…”, “I’ve learned…”, “What’s your opinion?”, “Let’s explore this together”, “I appreciate your…”, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”, “That’s a great point”, and “We can do this”—all serve to build connections, foster dialogue, validate others, and inspire collective action.
These phrases aren’t just about projecting confidence. They’re about drawing people in, making them feel valued, heard, and inspired. They’re about fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
So next time you find yourself in a conversation or a meeting, remember the power that your words can hold. Choose them wisely. Use them confidently. And watch as you naturally draw others in.