I used to soften everything I said.
Just to sound nice, not too much, not too assertive.
Turns out, it just made me sound unsure.
These 12 tiny phrase shifts can change everything ✨
(Hint: Write out your 3 favorite – use them often)
1) “I’ll deliver this by Thursday at 3pm”
❌ “I’ll try to get this done”
↳ Shows you’re reliable, not uncertain
2) “I’m following up on our conversation about X”
❌ “I just wanted to follow up”
↳ Gets straight to the point
3) “Thanks for making time”
❌ “Sorry to bother you”
↳ Shows confidence instead of doubt
4) “Based on what I know right now…”
❌ “I’m not sure, but…”
↳ Sounds knowledgeable despite limits
5) “I recommend we…”
❌ “I think maybe we could…”
↳ Shows you’re decisive
6) “What questions do you have?”
❌ “Does that make sense?”
↳ Opens the door for clarity
7) “Here’s what could work instead…”
❌ “That won’t work because…”
↳ Focuses on solutions not problems
8) “My pleasure” or “Happy to help”
❌ “No problem”
↳ Shows you wanted to help
9) “I’m focusing on three key deadlines this week”
❌ “I’m swamped”
↳ Shows you manage your time well
10) “I’ll explore our options and get back to you by EOD”
❌ “Let me check if that’s possible”
↳ Takes charge of finding answers
11) “What if we…”
❌ “You need to…”
↳ Invites teamwork instead of demands
12) “That’s not among my top priorities this week”
❌ “I don’t have time for that”
↳ Shows you make choices, not excuses
Speak like you belong at the table.
Because you do ⚡️
Kenrick Vaz 