How To 10x Your Confidence When You Speak

12 simple shifts to 10x your confidence.

Make these word changes to significantly impact your confidence level.

Both in how people perceive you and in how you perceive yourself.

When Sharing Your Opinion
❌ “I think” or “I guess” sound tentative.
✅ “I believe” expresses conviction and trust in your viewpoint.

When Committing to Action
❌ “I’ll try” implies uncertainty and lack of commitment.
✅ “I will” conveys determination and follow-through.

When Unsure About Something
❌ “I’m not sure” sounds passive or indecisive.
✅ “Let me find out” shows initiative and problem-solving.

When Asking for Someone’s Time
❌ “Sorry to bother you”. Apologizing unnecessarily diminishes the importance of your communication,
✅ “Thanks for your time”. Gratitude acknowledges the other person’s effort without undermining yourself.

When Encouraging Input
❌ “Does that make sense?” sounds uncertain and implies the listener doesn’t understand.
✅ “What are your thoughts?” invites engagement.

When Following Up
❌ “Just checking in” sounds tentative and diminishes the importance of your request.
✅ “I’d like an update” is clear and professional.

When Offering a Perspective
❌ “This might be wrong, but”. Prefacing statements with doubt weakens your position.
✅ “Here’s my perspective” confidently shares your viewpoint.

When Describing Obligations
❌ “I have to” implies obligation and lack of control.
✅ “I choose to” highlights autonomy and intentionality.

When Stating Intentions
❌ “I hope” reflects uncertainty and passivity.
✅ “I plan to” demonstrates clear intention and action.

When Suggesting a Direction
❌ “Maybe we should” sounds indecisive.
 ✅ “I recommend” communicates confidence and leadership.

When Sharing Your Perspective
❌ “I’m no expert” diminishes your credibility.
✅ “Based on my experience” highlights your unique perspective and knowledge.

When Setting Boundaries
❌ “I can’t” implies inability.
✅ “This doesn’t work for me right now” conveys a clear boundary and choice.


Small shifts in language create massive shifts in perception.

These small changes in how we communicate can transform our executive presence.

Making these simple language changes has a significant impact on confidence.
Both in how people perceive you and in how you perceive yourself.