9 phrases truly confident people use in everyday conversation

Confidence doesn’t shout. It doesn’t try to dominate every room. In fact, the most self-assured people often speak with surprising simplicity.

The truth? Confidence shows up in the words we choose—phrases that signal calm certainty, curiosity, and a willingness to take ownership. These aren’t empty slogans; they’re habits of speech that reveal a deeper mindset.

Think about the people you admire most. Are they constantly bragging, or are they the ones who speak with clarity and presence, making you feel at ease?

That’s the power of language—it shapes how others see you and even how you see yourself.

The good news? You don’t need years of experience or a natural gift for charm to start sounding more assured. It’s about adopting small verbal shifts that reflect strength without arrogance.

Here are nine phrases that quietly demonstrate confidence—and how you can start weaving them into your conversations today.

1. “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”

You don’t have to know everything to make an impact. Saying this shows honesty without apology—and that you value learning more than saving face.

Early in my career, I thought bluffing was safer than admitting I didn’t know something. I was wrong.

When I started saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” trust levels went up instantly. People respect candor paired with action.

It’s a phrase that says: I’m confident enough to admit gaps—and capable enough to close them.

2. “Here’s what I think.”

Ever notice how many people start with phrases like “I could be wrong, but…” or “This might sound silly…”?

Those words send the wrong signal before you’ve even made your point.

Try leading with “Here’s what I think.” It’s simple, clear, and projects quiet confidence.

You’re sharing your perspective without apology—while leaving space for others to respond.

The beauty of this phrase is that it frames your opinion as worth hearing without sounding like a command. It says, I trust my judgment, but I’m open to discussion.

That’s the kind of energy that earns respect in meetings, conversations, and even personal relationships.

3. “Let’s figure this out together.”

Control freaks try to do everything solo. People who trust themselves? They collaborate.

This phrase sends two strong signals: you’re not threatened by sharing the spotlight, and you care more about solutions than ego.

It shows you value input and believe good ideas can come from anywhere.

Whether it’s a tough work project or a personal challenge, saying “Let’s figure this out together” shifts the dynamic.

Suddenly, it’s not your problem or their problem—it’s a shared mission. That creates alignment, builds trust, and gets things moving faster.

4. “No.”

The shortest phrase on this list—and maybe the hardest to say. But boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re a sign that you value your time, energy, and focus.

Warren Buffett nailed it: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

Every yes you give costs something else.

Try this alternative if a flat no feels too sharp: “That doesn’t work for me right now.” Still firm. Still respectful.

5. “I’ve got this.”

It sounds simple, but those three words hold weight. They tell the world (and yourself): I trust my ability to handle this.

Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Your inner dialogue shapes your reality.

Saying “I’ve got this” is a mental cue—it moves you from hesitation to action.

Use it when nerves kick in. Out loud if you can. It’s a surprisingly effective confidence reset.

6. “Here’s how I’m making it happen.”

Talk is cheap. Real assurance comes through action—and this phrase proves it.

James Clear once wrote, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Goals sound impressive, but systems create results.

Instead of vague promises like “I’m hoping to launch soon,” say, “Here’s how I’m making it happen: I’ve scheduled two hours a day to work on this.”

That tone? It radiates capability.

7. “Tell me more.”

One of the most underrated signs of self-assurance? Curiosity.

People who feel secure don’t need to dominate conversations—they create space for others to share. A simple “Tell me more” does exactly that.

It signals genuine interest, not a need to one-up or rush to a solution.

This phrase does two things: it makes the other person feel valued, and it shows that you prioritize understanding over being right. That’s rare—and powerful.

Whether you’re in a meeting, on a date, or catching up with a friend, this little phrase builds trust and connection faster than any attempt to impress.

8. “Thank you.”

Not “Thanks, but it was nothing.” Not “Thanks, I just got lucky.” Just a clean, simple thank you.

Deflecting compliments is often a reflex for people who doubt themselves. It might feel humble, but it actually undermines your own effort and signals discomfort with recognition.

Accepting praise with grace shows something different: quiet confidence. It says, I appreciate your acknowledgement—and I value my work too.

So next time someone compliments you, resist the urge to downplay it. Own it—with humility, not ego.

It’s a small shift that leaves a big impression.

9. “I’m not aiming for perfect—just better.”

That’s a phrase you’ll often hear from people who’ve ditched perfectionism. It’s practical, realistic, and quietly powerful.

As my friend Rudá Iandê says in his book Laughing in the Face of Chaos,

“When we let go of the need to be perfect, we free ourselves to live fully.”

It stuck with me because it flips the script: chasing perfection is exhausting, but chasing progress? That’s doable.

Try using this line next time you feel paralyzed by expectations. It shows you’re committed without being obsessive—and that’s what real confidence sounds like.

Final words

You don’t need a megaphone to show confidence. Real assurance isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about using language that reflects self-trust.

And often, it’s the smallest phrases that reveal the deepest sense of strength.

The truth is, these phrases aren’t magic. They work because they signal something bigger: a mindset of clarity, curiosity, and calm authority.

You don’t need to memorize them like scripts. Use them as cues—little reminders of what authentic confidence feels like in everyday conversations.

Why does this matter so much? Because language shapes reality.

The words you choose influence how others see you—but even more importantly, they shape how you see yourself.

When your language reflects self-belief, confidence stops being an act. It becomes who you are.

So start small. Pick one phrase, use it this week, and notice what changes.

You might be surprised by the power of a few simple words.