It can be difficult to find the right balance between confidently expressing yourself and not offending others. However, there are many self-assured individuals who know exactly how to do just that. Here are 17 effective phrases confident people use to be assertive without being rude.
“I Understand Your Point, But I See It Differently.”
Confident people usually understand the importance of properly considering another person’s perspective before deciding to share their opinion. This phrase shows that you were listening to and respecting the other person’s point while also making it clear that you don’t quite agree.
“Let’s Find a Solution That Works for Both of Us.”
People who are confident and emotionally mature can work through conflicting perspectives and focus on finding mutual benefit. By telling the other person that you’re willing to find a mutually beneficial solution, you show them that you value them and their needs.
“I Appreciate Your Feedback; I’ll Take It into Consideration.”
Sometimes, you just need a little time to think over constructive criticism. Instead of immediately responding defensively or aggressively, confident people feel able to thank the person for their feedback and let them know that they’ll reflect on it.
“I’m Not Comfortable with That; Can We Explore Other Options?”
As noted by Papyrus UK, boundaries are incredibly important in helping us protect our time and energy and prioritize our needs. Confident people usually understand the importance of clearly setting and respecting boundaries. Instead of being overly accommodating and overstepping their own boundaries, they will speak up when they’re not comfortable with something and find another solution.
“Could You Clarify What You Mean by That?”
Sometimes, it can be tempting to act like you understand someone instead of gaining a better understanding of what they meant. However, confident people are less afraid of taking the initiative to prevent misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Personify also claims that this is a very beneficial trait in leaders.
“I Need Some Time to Think About This.”
When you have conflicting feelings about someone’s opinion or suggestion, it’s important not to rush into agreeing or disagreeing right away. It’s okay to tell someone you need time to reflect on what they said and get back to them later.
“I Understand the Urgency, But Let’s Ensure We Make the Right Call.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and rush into making a decision. However, confident people are often able to step back and speak up about the importance of carefully deliberating before rushing in and potentially making a costly mistake.
“I Believe My Experience in This Area Could Be Helpful.”
Confident individuals know their strengths and aren’t afraid to let others know when their skills could be helpful in a particular situation. By focusing on your experience instead of yourself, you can also ensure you don’t come off as arrogant or a know-it-all.
“I Hear What You’re Saying, But I Disagree for These Reasons…”
This is another great phrase for expressing your own opinion while still showing your respect for the other person. It also allows you to voice your rationale for disagreeing with them, turning it into a constructive debate rather than a heated argument.
“Let’s Agree to Disagree on This and Move Forward.”
Sometimes, people just can’t seem to see eye to eye on an issue. When this happens, it’s often best to agree to disagree and move forward instead of spending more time on fruitless arguments that probably won’t go anywhere.
“I’m Not Sure That’s the Best Approach; Can We Consider Alternatives?”
It can be tricky to speak up when you don’t agree with someone’s approach. However, this phrase makes it possible to do so while mitigating the risk of them taking it personally and getting defensive. It also opens up the door for mutual collaboration and problem-solving.
“That’s an Interesting Point; Here’s Another Perspective.”
Telling someone you understand and are interested in their point before sharing your perspective helps them feel like their input is being heard and valued. This also makes it more likely that they will listen to and respect your point of view in turn.
“I Value Your Time, So Let’s Make the Most of This Meeting.”
Confident people who use this phrase can acknowledge the importance of time efficiency while still making the other person feel respected and valued. This is a great way to set a positive and solution-oriented tone for meetings or other interactions.
“I Would Prefer If We…”
This phrase is an effective way to express your disagreements or preferences in a way that doesn’t come across as demanding or confrontational. As a result, the other person is more likely to be receptive to what you have to say and less likely to feel attacked.
“Thank You for Waiting; I’m Ready to Discuss This Now.”
If you’ve requested some time for reflection, when you’re ready to continue the discussion, it’s a good idea to let them know and thank them for respecting your need for more time. This will help them feel like their patience was appreciated and sets a positive tone for future interactions.
“This Is What I Need From You.”
It can feel awkward and demanding to ask things of other people. However, clearly stating your needs and expectations is the best way to avoid ambiguity and ensure that you’re getting what you want from any interaction. Even if the other person can’t provide what you’re looking for, it’s best to find out sooner rather than later.
“How Can We Work Together to Solve This?”
When your collaboration seems to be stagnating or you can’t agree on a solution, it’s a good idea to demonstrate your willingness to work together and find an answer that suits everyone. This encourages teamwork and helps ensure that the other person does not feel unheard or unappreciated.