8 phrases that instantly make you sound more confident (even when you're nervous)

Ever walked into a meeting feeling like your stomach was doing Olympic-level gymnastics?

I remember my first big presentation after switching careers. There I was, former financial analyst turned writer, about to speak to a room full of seasoned professionals about psychological insights. My palms were sweating, my heart was racing, and I kept thinking everyone would see right through me and realize I didn't belong there.

But here's what saved me: I had learned some key phrases that helped me project confidence even when I felt anything but. And you know what? They worked. Not only did I get through that presentation, but afterward, several people commented on how composed and confident I seemed.

The truth is, confidence isn't always about how you feel inside. Sometimes it's about the words you choose and how you deliver them. Whether you're negotiating a raise, presenting to clients, or just trying to hold your own in a difficult conversation, the right phrases can be your secret weapon.

So if you're ready to sound more confident even when your nerves are doing their best to sabotage you, these eight phrases will become your new best friends.

1) "Let me think about that and get back to you"

How many times have you agreed to something on the spot, only to regret it later? Or worse, given a half-baked answer because you felt pressured to respond immediately?

This phrase is pure gold. It shows you take decisions seriously and won't be rushed into something you're not comfortable with. During my finance days, I watched colleagues who used this phrase command more respect than those who always had instant answers.

You're not stalling or being indecisive. You're being thoughtful. And thoughtful people are confident people. Use this when someone asks you to take on a new project, when you're put on the spot in a meeting, or when you need time to formulate a proper response.

The beauty of this phrase is that it also gives you breathing room when you're nervous. Instead of stumbling through an answer, you're buying yourself time to think clearly.

2) "I'd like to share my perspective on this"

Instead of starting with "I might be wrong, but..." or "This is just my opinion, but..." this phrase positions you as someone with valuable insights to offer.

I learned this one the hard way. For years, I'd preface my ideas with disclaimers that basically screamed "don't take me seriously!" It wasn't until a mentor pointed out this habit that I realized I was undermining myself before I even shared my thoughts.

This phrase works because it's assertive without being aggressive. You're not demanding to be heard or apologizing for speaking up. You're simply stating that you have something worth sharing. And guess what? You do.

3) "That's an interesting point. Here's another way to look at it"

Disagreeing with someone, especially in a professional setting, can make anyone's nerves spike. But this phrase lets you express a different opinion while still acknowledging the other person's contribution.

During couples therapy years ago, I learned that acknowledging before asserting creates space for real dialogue. This principle applies everywhere, not just in relationships. When you validate someone's input before offering your own, you come across as confident and considerate, not combative.

This phrase has saved me in countless situations where I needed to push back without creating conflict. It shows you're secure enough to consider other viewpoints while still standing firm in your own perspective.

4) "I appreciate your feedback"

Criticism can make even the most confident person feel shaky. Your first instinct might be to defend yourself or over-explain. But this simple phrase stops you from spiraling into defensive mode.

I remember getting harsh feedback on one of my early articles. My immediate reaction was to list all the reasons why the critic was wrong. Instead, I took a breath and said, "I appreciate your feedback." That was it. The conversation shifted immediately.

This phrase doesn't mean you agree with the criticism. It simply shows you're confident enough to receive feedback without crumbling. You can always follow up later with your thoughts once you've had time to process.

5) "I've successfully handled similar situations before"

When someone questions your ability or you're trying to prove yourself, this phrase is your ace in the hole. It's specific enough to be credible but doesn't require you to launch into a lengthy justification of your capabilities.

After being passed over for promotions despite outperforming colleagues, I learned that quietly doing good work isn't enough. You need to own your achievements. This phrase lets you do that without sounding like you're bragging.

Use it in job interviews, when taking on new responsibilities, or when someone doubts your expertise. It instantly positions you as someone with relevant experience and the confidence to back it up.

6) "What I bring to this is..."

Instead of waiting for others to recognize your value, this phrase lets you define it yourself. It's particularly powerful when you're feeling like an imposter or questioning whether you belong.

During my first two years as a writer, imposter syndrome was my constant companion. But when I started using this phrase, something shifted. Instead of hoping people would see my worth, I was telling them exactly what I offered.

This works in team meetings, networking events, or any situation where you need to establish your credibility quickly. You're not asking for permission to contribute. You're stating what you bring to the table, period.

7) "Let's focus on finding a solution"

When tensions run high or conversations start going in circles, this phrase positions you as the calm, confident problem-solver. It redirects energy from complaining or blaming to actually fixing the issue.

I picked this up during my high-stress finance career where dwelling on problems was a luxury we couldn't afford. The people who commanded the most respect weren't those who could identify every problem, but those who could steer conversations toward solutions.

This phrase works magic in conflict situations. It shows you're not rattled by challenges and that you're confident enough to take charge of finding a way forward.

8) "I need to set a boundary here"

This might be the hardest phrase on this list to say, but it's also the most powerful. Setting boundaries requires confidence, even when every nerve in your body is telling you to just go along with things.

Learning that vulnerability isn't the same as being vulnerable to harm changed how I approach boundaries. You can be open and authentic while still protecting your energy and values. This phrase helps you do exactly that.

Whether someone's crossing a line professionally or personally, this phrase clearly communicates that you respect yourself enough to speak up. And when you respect yourself, others follow suit.

Final thoughts

Here's what I've learned from speaking at colleges about redefining success: confidence isn't a personality trait you're born with or without. It's a skill you develop, and these phrases are tools in your confidence toolkit.

Will you feel nervous using them at first? Absolutely. I still get butterflies sometimes when I need to set a boundary or disagree with someone important. But here's the secret: you don't need to feel confident to sound confident. The words you choose can project assurance even when you're shaking inside.

Start with one or two phrases that resonate most with you. Practice them in low-stakes situations first. Maybe use "I appreciate your feedback" with a friend before trying it with your boss. Or practice "Let me think about that and get back to you" when someone asks you to volunteer for something you're not sure about.

Remember, every confident person you admire has felt nervous too. The difference is they've learned to work with their nerves instead of being paralyzed by them. These phrases give you a script for those moments when your mind goes blank or your voice wants to shake.

You've got valuable perspectives to share and important boundaries to set. These phrases just help you do it with the confidence you deserve to feel. So next time you're in a situation that makes your nerves dance, remember you've got these eight phrases in your back pocket, ready to help you sound as capable as you actually are.