Confident communication is an essential skill that can elevate your relationships—whether it’s with coworkers, family, friends, or anyone else. Clear, assertive responses show that you’re in control and knowledgeable. But how do you get there? It starts by cutting out the “fluff” and making a few key adjustments to your speaking habits. Here’s how to respond with confidence every time.
1. Eliminate the Fluff
Fluff includes filler words like uhm, like, you know, and basically—those little verbal tics we all use from time to time. These words are like adding too much ice to your drink: they dilute the power and clarity of your message. When you fill gaps with unnecessary words, your speech becomes less impactful and you risk sounding unsure of yourself.
What to do instead: The next time you feel the urge to say uhm or like, pause and take a breath. You don’t need to fill every moment with sound. In fact, a brief silence can make you appear more thoughtful and composed. It shows that you’re carefully considering your words rather than speaking on impulse. That pause gives you a moment to collect your thoughts, and others will perceive you as more in control.
2. Control Your Tone of Voice
One common mistake people make, especially when feeling nervous or unsure, is allowing their voice to rise at the end of a sentence. This shift in tone makes you sound like you’re asking a question instead of making a statement. It implies uncertainty and weakens the impact of your words.
How to fix it: Make sure your voice lowers at the end of your sentences, signaling that you are making a firm statement rather than seeking approval. Think about it this way: you don’t need to ask for permission to have an opinion or make a point. By grounding your tone at the end, you’ll sound more confident and self-assured.
3. Choose Your Words Carefully
The words you use can either strengthen or undermine your message. Phrases like just or does that make sense? can chip away at your confidence. For example, saying “I just wanted to check in” sounds hesitant, as if you’re tiptoeing around your intention. Or asking “Does that make sense?” after you’ve made a point can imply that you’re unsure whether you communicated effectively.
What to say instead: Replace those hesitant phrases with more assertive alternatives. Instead of saying, “I just wanted to check in,” try, “I wanted to check in on you.” This subtle shift sounds more deliberate and confident. Similarly, instead of asking if something makes sense, ask a more engaging question like, “What are your thoughts on that?” or “How does that sound to you?” These questions show that you’re inviting input, not doubting your own clarity.
4. Cut Down on Adverbs
Adverbs, especially those ending in -ly, like essentially, literally, or basically, tend to weaken your statements. They are often filler words that don’t add real value and can dilute the strength of your message. For example, saying “Basically, what we’re doing is…” adds unnecessary padding to your point.
How to improve: Eliminate adverbs from your sentences to make them clearer and more direct. Instead of “Basically, we need to improve this process,” try “We need to improve this process.” Removing the extra word makes your statement more straightforward and powerful.
5. Adjust Based on Your Audience
While being clear and assertive is important in any situation, you can afford to relax a bit when speaking to friends or family. In those more personal settings, it’s okay to be casual and show more of your natural speech patterns. However, when it comes to professional interactions—whether in meetings, networking events, or serious conversations—it’s crucial to communicate with more certainty and authority.
In professional settings, people expect confidence and clarity. Whether you’re delivering an idea or responding to a question, strong communication leaves a lasting impression. Practice using firm, direct language and consider how your tone and word choice affect how others perceive you.
Conclusion: Serve Your Words Straight
If you want to respond with confidence, cut out the fluff and serve your words straight. Take a breath instead of using filler words, lower your tone at the end of sentences, choose strong language, and eliminate unnecessary adverbs. Whether you’re talking to friends or colleagues, these simple adjustments can make you sound more confident and in control of your message.
In every conversation, remember: your words matter, and the way you deliver them speaks volumes.
Why Confident Communication is Essential for Building Strong Teams
Confident and clear communication is a cornerstone of successful team building. When team members communicate without fluff, use assertive language, and express their ideas with certainty, it fosters an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. Teams thrive when everyone feels heard and understood, and by mastering the art of confident communication, individuals can contribute more effectively, resolve conflicts smoothly, and strengthen group dynamics. In professional settings, where teamwork is key, these skills can dramatically improve the way teams interact and achieve shared goals.
For more great tips on professional and confident communication, follow Jefferson Fisher on YouTube. He offers excellent advice for improving your communication skills in both personal and professional settings. Highly recommended!
Together, let’s LEVEL UP our communication and build stronger connections. Join us and start your journey toward confident communication today!
Your Level Up Team