Power Phrases Every Woman Should Use to Sound More Confident at Work

⏱️ 3-minute read

Have you ever said something in a meeting and felt like it landed flat—only to hear the same idea repeated later by someone else who got all the credit?

You’re not alone. Many high-achieving women struggle to sound as confident as they actually are. The truth is, your words carry weight—but how you phrase them can be the difference between being overlooked and being seen as a leader.

The good news? You don’t have to change who you are—you just need the right language.

Here are 7 power phrases you can start using today to project confidence, credibility, and leadership presence at work.

1. Instead of “I think…” say → “I recommend…”

When you lead with “I think,” it sounds tentative. Leaders recommend and decide.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “I think we should try this approach.”

• CHANGE TO: “I recommend we move forward with this approach.”

2. Instead of “Sorry, but…” say → “Let’s…”

Apologizing unnecessarily can undercut your authority. Replace “sorry” with proactive, collaborative language.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “Sorry, but can we circle back to that point?”

• CHANGE TO: “Let’s circle back to that point—I want to make sure it’s clear.”

3. Instead of “Does that make sense?” say → “Here’s the takeaway.”

Asking if you made sense can unintentionally signal doubt. Instead, close strong with a clear summary.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “Does that make sense?”

• CHANGE TO: “Here’s the takeaway from what we’ve discussed…”

4. Instead of “I just wanted to…” say → “I want to…”

The word just minimizes you. Removing it makes you sound direct and decisive.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “I just wanted to share an update.”

• CHANGE TO: “I want to share an update.”

5. Instead of “Maybe we could…” say → “The best next step is…”

Hedging language makes it seem like you’re unsure. Replace it with confident direction.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “Maybe we could review the plan again.”

• CHANGE TO: “The best next step is to review the plan again.”

6. Instead of “I’ll try to…” say → “I will…”

“Try” sounds uncertain. Leaders commit with confidence.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “I’ll try to have it done by Thursday.”

• CHANGE TO: “I will have it ready by Thursday.”

7. Instead of “This might be a bad idea, but…” say → “Here’s another option to consider.”

Prefacing your ideas with disclaimers makes them easier to dismiss. Share your perspective as a valuable contribution.

Example:

• CHANGE FROM: “This might be a bad idea, but what if we…”

• CHANGE TO: “Here’s another option to consider…”

Why These Phrases Work

Confidence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about how your words shape perception.

These power phrases:

• Eliminate doubt-filled language

• Position you as decisive and credible

• Signal leadership readiness without you having to “prove” it

Next Step: Start Small

Pick one or two of these phrases and intentionally use them in your next meeting or email. You’ll be surprised how quickly others respond to you differently.

And remember: confidence isn’t about pretending. It’s about learning the skills that make you impossible to ignore.

Want More Tools Like This?

This is just the beginning. Inside the Promotion-Ready Confidence Kit, you’ll find scripts, tools, and strategies to:

• Communicate with authority

• Position yourself as a leader

• Stop being overlooked for opportunities

👉 Download your Kit today and start sounding (and being seen as) the leader you already are.

Your voice is powerful. The right words make it undeniable.