Ever walked into a room and instantly felt drawn to that one person who just seems rock-solid in their self-assurance, yet comes across as approachable and kind?
Chances are, they’re not only carrying themselves with confidence but also speaking in a way that projects trustworthiness.
Words matter. And if you often use certain phrases — delivered with genuine intent — it can dramatically alter how people perceive you.
Below, I’ll share 7 phrases that can elevate how others see you, making you appear both confident and worthy of their trust.
Let’s dive in.
1. “Thank you for bringing that up.”
It’s easy to get defensive when someone points out a potential mistake or asks a challenging question.
But the confident and trustworthy response is to acknowledge their input positively.
Say someone critiques your work or suggests a different approach. Instead of brushing them off or reacting with annoyance, respond with, “Thank you for bringing that up.”
Why does this work?
For one, it shows humility — you’re open to feedback. You’re not acting threatened or dismissive — you’re acknowledging the other person’s perspective.
When you start with gratitude, you foster a collaborative atmosphere rather than one rooted in conflict.
And that’s a hallmark of people who are not only confident in themselves but also in their capacity to learn from others.
On a personal note, I used to dread criticism. I’d get that tight feeling in my chest the moment anyone pointed out a flaw in my work.
But I’ve found that when I lean into the feedback — when I make it a point to thank someone for highlighting something I missed — it almost always leads to stronger outcomes and deeper respect on both sides.
2. “I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
Confidence isn’t hogging the mic.
It’s also being secure enough to know that other voices matter.
By saying “I’d like to hear your thoughts,” you’re showing you value input from others. You’re placing trust in their judgment and demonstrating you’re not threatened by differing opinions.
This phrase is especially powerful in team settings.
Let’s say you’re in a meeting, you’ve just shared an idea, and you want to open the floor. Instead of rattling on and on, you pause and look around.
“I’d like to hear your thoughts. Do you see any gaps or improvements?”
That line instantly sets a tone of mutual respect. It reveals you’re confident enough in your idea that you welcome challenges to it. And that builds trust because people see you as inclusive, not dictatorial.
As Greg McKeown, the author of Essentialism, often emphasizes:
Clarity isn’t just knowing your own mind — it means understanding others, too. Inviting someone’s thoughts shows you’re eager to clarify and refine, together.
3. “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
We’ve all been in situations where we feel pressured to have all the answers.
In workplaces especially, there’s often this unspoken expectation that if you’re confident, you must be all-knowing.
But guess what?
Real confidence is admitting when you don’t have a clue — and then doing something about it.
Saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” projects honesty and initiative, two traits that build trust faster than any half-baked answer ever could.
It also shows that you respect the other person’s question enough not to bluff your way through it. You value the conversation enough to commit to a little research.
In my experience, people remember that. They appreciate not being fed empty filler. And when you do come back with a thoughtful response, your credibility goes through the roof.
4. “Here’s how we can solve this together.”
Sometimes problems land on your desk or drop into your lap like unwelcome surprises.
How you address them says a lot about your confidence level. Rather than blaming someone else or stepping back and letting others scramble, a trustworthy individual takes ownership but also encourages collective effort.
“Here’s how we can solve this together,” signals that you’re not running away from the challenge — you’re stepping up — but you also recognize you don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) do it all alone.
This phrase balances leadership with teamwork.
You’re guiding the process (“Here’s how we can solve this”), yet including everyone (“together”) in the solution.
That duality — leading while also pulling others in — makes people respect you. They see you’re not hoarding control or panicking.
You’re confident enough to take responsibility and wise enough to know a team approach often yields better results.
5. “I appreciate your help.”
Too many of us are quick to assume that if someone’s doing their job, they don’t need a pat on the back.
But a genuine “I appreciate your help” does more than just say “thanks.”
It acknowledges that the person’s time, effort, or expertise mattered. And that single moment of gratitude can foster loyalty and mutual respect.
Confident people aren’t stingy with their appreciation.
They understand that trust is built on recognizing the value others bring.
Think about the last time someone sincerely thanked you for your contribution.
- Didn’t it warm you up to them?
- Didn’t you feel more inclined to stay on their team or help them out next time?
Gratitude may seem like a small gesture, but it’s mighty in strengthening relationships.
6. “I made a mistake—here’s how I’m fixing it.”
Admitting mistakes can feel like swallowing a frog — unpleasant, but sometimes necessary.
Yet, people who openly own their errors come across as more genuine and secure in themselves.
In many workplaces, folks try to cover up mistakes or shift the blame. But the moment you say, “I messed up, and here’s what I’m doing to fix it,” you stand out as someone who doesn’t shy away from responsibility.
What’s key is not just admitting fault but pairing it with a solution.
Anyone can shrug and say, “Yeah, that was me.” Confident, trustworthy people go the extra mile to address the problem.
They showcase problem-solving skills and accountability all in one go. And that approach commands respect because it shows reliability.
People know you’ll have their back when the chips are down — and you’ll own up when things go sideways.
Winston Churchill famously said, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
While the quote highlights resilience, it also underscores the fact that mistakes are inevitable.
The confidence lies in how we deal with them. Own it, fix it, and keep moving.
7. “Let’s clarify next steps.”
Nothing derails a good plan like confusion about who does what next.
A confident person won’t leave a room without making sure everyone knows where they stand.
Saying “Let’s clarify next steps” is proactive — you’re taking the initiative to ensure the conversation or project doesn’t fall into chaos once the meeting is over.
This phrase also implies that you’re focused on outcomes. You’re not just talking for talking’s sake; you want tangible results.
People who take the lead in clarifying tasks and timelines are typically seen as trustworthy because they create structure. They don’t vanish after tossing out ideas. Instead, they help shape an action plan.
That’s real leadership material right there, and it’s a surefire way to earn the respect of peers and superiors alike.
In my own experience, just one or two minutes spent hammering out next steps at the end of a discussion can save hours of confusion later.
I’ve walked away from unstructured meetings in the past wondering, “So… what do I do now?”
That feeling kills momentum.
Being the person who ensures everyone is on the same page is a power move that radiates both confidence and dependability.
To sum up
Confidence and trustworthiness aren’t about swagger or dominating conversations. Often, they’re demonstrated through the small but intentional ways we communicate.
From acknowledging feedback graciously (“Thank you for bringing that up”) to showing leadership in problem-solving (“Here’s how we can solve this together”), these 7 phrases convey that you value honesty, collaboration, and accountability — all crucial elements for earning respect.
Don’t just memorize these lines, though.
Authenticity matters. Use them when you genuinely mean them, and deliver them in your own voice.
Trust me, you’ll realize that they become second nature — a reflection of the confident, trustworthy person you are working to become.
Keep on the up and up
