People who are confident and assertive can sometimes come across as rude. This isn’t what their intentions are, but there can be a fine line between the two. Here are 18 genius phrases confident people use to be assertive but not rude.
“Could You Clarify What You Mean by That?”
Responding to someone asking to clarify their point is direct and assertive but by no means rude. Some don’t have the confidence to ask for a clearer understanding, as they don’t want to be viewed as silly, but this confidence can ensure clarity is attained, which can be important in a professional setting.
“I Need Some Time to Think About This.”
Many think that taking time to think about a decision lacks intelligence, but it’s the opposite. Bad decisions can be made in the moment, so it takes a confident and intelligent person to say, ‘I need some time to think about this.’ The Order Expert recommends asking a person to follow up later in the day or even the following week.
“I Understand the Urgency, But Let’s Ensure We Make the Right Call.”
This is a great phrase to use in a personal or professional environment when you feel someone is making a panic decision. This doesn’t come across as rude but instead is assertive and shows leadership in prioritizing the quality of the decision over quickness.
“I Believe My Experience in This Area Could Be Helpful.”
People are attracted to confidence, and using the phrase “I believe my experience in this area could be helpful” in a professional setting is a great way to get people to buy into you. This statement shows that you position your skills as a valuable resource instead of a boast.
“I Hear What You’re Saying, But I Disagree for These Reasons…”
The opening part of the statement where you acknowledge what the person has said prevents it from coming across as rude, as it shows you have listened and taken it on board. Then having the confidence to state that you disagree with reasoning opens the conversation up for constructive disagreement.
“Let’s Agree to Disagree on This and Move Forward.”
According to Wonderopolis, “When you agree to disagree, you accept that neither of you is going to change the other’s mind.” This assertive statement shows that you’re not willing to back down on what you believe and that you will not be influenced by others. However, for the greater good, you’re willing to move forward.
“I’m Not Sure That’s the Best Approach; Can We Consider Alternatives?”
Many don’t have the confidence to say they disagree when they don’t have a solution. This phrase is a great way to do that without coming across as rude, and it gives an opportunity to explore other ideas. This reduces the potential for defensiveness, as it’s asked more as a suggestion.
“That’s an Interesting Point; Here’s Another Perspective.”
This is a great phrase to prevent coming across as rude. By stating to the other person that their point is interesting, you’re acknowledging that you’ve listened and understood. Giving another perspective shows confidence to open up the room to broader views and wider discussion.
“I Value Your Time, So Let’s Make the Most of This Meeting.”
This is a great phrase to start off a meeting confidently and on the right foot. Immediately, you make the people in the room feel valued and respected. It sets a productive tone at the start of the meeting that can be carried out throughout.
“I Would Prefer If We…”
Using the phrase “I would prefer if we…” isn’t rude, as you’re not dismissing someone’s point; instead, you’re showing confidence in providing an alternative. This non-confrontational phrase encourages consideration of alternatives without arrogantly steering people to your way of thinking for personal benefit.
“This Is What I Need From You.”
This assertive phrase is direct and to the point; it makes clear to the recipient your exact requirements. This isn’t just a confident phrase provided by yourself; it gives confidence to the other person, as they know exactly what is required, and prevents confusion.
“How Can We Work Together to Solve This?”
HR Cloud tells us that collaborating to solve an issue is effective in the workplace because it’s mutually beneficial. It also makes the other person feel valued, as you’re giving them an opportunity to express their opinion knowing that it will be listened to.
“I Would Like to Add”
This is an assertive statement that doesn’t come across as rude, as it isn’t overpowering and you’re not dismissing someone’s ideas. Saying “I would like to add” shows that what others have said is respected and you’re looking to build on existing ideas.
“Let’s Look at the Facts”
“Let’s look at the facts” is an assertive way to steer the conversation down the right path without rudely offending anyone. It confidently focuses the conversation on objective information, reduces the chances of emotional responses, and instead promotes informed decision-making to get the desired outcome.
“I Believe We Can Both Agree That”
This is a very confident and assertive statement that can get people around to your way of thinking but still presents the opportunity to disagree if they wish. Saying you believe stops the statement from being rude, as you’re expressing your beliefs but not in a factual form.
“My Understanding Is”
“My understanding is” is a confident phrase that immediately clarifies your perspective and reduces any miscommunication. It opens the room up to correcting your view or adding additional points in a non-confrontational way, which will make others feel more comfortable doing so.
“I Suggest We”
Using the phrase “I suggest we” shows confidence in taking control of the situation without demanding your view be followed. This will encourage the group to add any input on the next steps forward. It shows true leadership qualities while presenting an opportunity to welcome feedback.
“Can We Explore This Further?”
According to Indeed, “It’s important to understand how to keep a conversation going because it allows you to create meaningful connections with others and communicate your needs.” In a professional or personal situation, asking, “Can we explore this further?” shows confidence in wanting a deeper conversation.
Up Next: 17 Behaviors That Make People Think Less of You
If you want to be accepted by those around you, you have to behave in certain ways. Obviously, you should still be yourself, but there are certain social ‘rules’ people should abide by, like avoiding these 17 behaviors that make people think less of you.
17 BEHAVIORS THAT MAKE PEOPLE THINK LESS OF YOU
20 Signs Someone Is Only Pretending to Care
Whether it’s to avoid hurting your feelings or if it’s part of a more elaborate plan to deceive you for benefits, people pretend for many reasons. The main theme with them, though, is that their actions never match the sugar-coated words that come out of their mouths. So that you don’t fall for someone like this, we’ve compiled 20 signs for you to look out for.
20 SIGNS SOMEONE IS ONLY PRETENDING TO CARE
18 Items at Walmart that Aren’t Worth Your Hard-Earned Money
For many of us, Walmart is the go-to superstore. Whether we need groceries, clothing, or technology, Walmart is a one-stop shop for everything you would need. However, there are some Walmart products you should avoid at all costs, such as the following 18 examples.
18 ITEMS AT WALMART THAT AREN’T WORTH YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY