5 Simple Strategies to Gain Confidence
Become More Confident When Speaking English
Feeling hesitant or unsure when using English in professional settings? You’re certainly not alone. Many talented professionals—whether preparing for a high-stakes presentation, leading an international team meeting, or interviewing for that dream job—find their confidence wavers when communicating in a non-native language.
The exciting news? Confidence isn’t just something you have; it’s something you can build. You can start strengthening your Business English poise today with practical, actionable steps.
At New York English, I’ve partnered with hundreds of professionals across diverse industries like logistics, technology, finance, and executive leadership. Together, we focus on developing the clarity, fluency, and self-assurance needed to thrive. Based on that experience, here are five effective strategies you can implement right away:
1. Practice “Power Phrases” for Meetings
Ever freeze up when it’s your turn to contribute in a meeting? Having a few reliable phrases ready can be a game-changer. They provide structure and signal your intention clearly. Try memorizing and practicing these:
- To interject politely: “If I could add something here…” or “May I jump in for a moment?”
- To request clarification: “Could you elaborate on that point, please?” or “I want to make sure I understand correctly. Are you saying…?”
- To share your view: “From my perspective…” or “Here’s how I see it…”
Start by using these phrases in lower-stakes conversations or even practice them alone. As they become more familiar, you’ll find yourself sounding more assertive, polished, and confident when it counts.
Pro Tip: Record yourself saying these phrases using your phone. Listen back, paying attention to your tone, pace, and pronunciation. Small adjustments can make a big impact.
2. Master the Art of Professional Small Talk
Small talk often gets a bad rap, but in the business world, it’s crucial. It’s the bridge to building rapport and trust with colleagues, clients, and interviewers. Instead of dreading those initial moments, prepare a few versatile conversation starters:
- Reference recent industry news: “Did you happen to see the latest update on [relevant topic]?”
- Ask open-ended, neutral questions: “How has your week been shaping up?” or “What are you looking forward to this weekend?” (Use context!)
- Offer a genuine, specific compliment: “I really appreciated your input on the [project name] discussion earlier.”
Effective small talk involves listening as much as speaking. Show genuine interest, ask follow-up questions, and find common ground. The more you practice initiating these brief exchanges, the more natural and connected you’ll feel—and that connection fuels confidence.
3. Simplify Your Vocabulary (Yes, Really!)
It’s a common misconception that using complex, “impressive” vocabulary signals intelligence or proficiency. In reality, especially in international business, clarity is king. Overly complicated language can lead to misunderstandings and make you seem less confident, not more. Focus on direct, clear communication:
- Replace “utilize” with “use.”
- Swap “commence” with “start” or “begin.”
- Instead of “ameliorate,” try “improve” or “make better.”
- Choose “help” over “facilitate.”
Communicating your ideas clearly and concisely demonstrates confidence and ensures your message is understood accurately the first time.
Client Spotlight: Andres Guzman, COO of Driscoll’s Mexico, observed a significant boost in his logistics team’s operational efficiency and reduced errors after coaching focused on adopting simpler, more direct English communication protocols.
4. Prepare Strategically for High-Stakes Moments
Facing a crucial job interview, a client presentation, or a performance review? Don’t leave it to chance. Winging it often increases anxiety. Instead, prepare strategically:
- Outline Key Points: Write down the main messages you need to convey. Don’t script it word-for-word, but know your core arguments.
- Practice Out Loud: Rehearse your points aloud, not just in your head. This helps identify awkward phrasing and builds muscle memory. Practice with a coach, a trusted colleague, or even record yourself.
- Anticipate Questions: Think about potential questions or challenges and prepare brief responses.
- Focus on Your Opening and Closing: Craft a strong, confident opening (“Thank you for the opportunity. I’m eager to discuss how my skills…”) and a clear, decisive closing (“I hope this provides a clear overview. I look forward to your feedback.”).
- Embrace Pauses: Don’t be afraid of silence. Pausing briefly before answering a question or between points can make you seem more thoughtful and in control.
Thorough preparation transforms nervous energy into focused confidence.
As Hugo Bloom, Founder of Bricks / 100 Ladrillos, noted after presentation coaching: “Preparing this way saved us countless hours while significantly improving our response time and clarity with investors.”
5. Acknowledge and Celebrate Small Wins
Building confidence is a journey, not a destination. It grows incrementally with each positive experience, not overnight perfection. Make a conscious effort to recognize your progress:
- Did you successfully use a new “power phrase” in a meeting? Acknowledge it.
- Did you navigate a potentially awkward small talk situation smoothly? Celebrate it.
- Did you understand a fast-talking colleague without asking them to repeat themselves multiple times? Recognize the improvement.
- Did you write a clear, concise email that got the result you wanted? Pat yourself on the back.
Keep a simple log of these small victories in a notebook or a digital note. Sharing them with a coach or mentor can also reinforce your progress. Actively celebrating these moments builds momentum and reinforces your belief in your growing abilities.
Ready to Accelerate Your Confidence?
Building lasting Business English confidence takes consistent effort, but you don’t have to do it alone. With targeted strategies and personalized guidance, you can make significant progress faster than you might think. Imagine feeling composed during presentations, leading meetings with authority, and networking with ease.
Join a growing community of ambitious professionals like Alberto Escobar (COO, Terramar Brands) and Julio Aldana (CEO, Smarttie) who have transformed their communication skills and unlocked new career opportunities through tailored English coaching.
Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation Today to discuss your specific goals and discover how personalized coaching can create a clear roadmap for your success. Let’s elevate your English—and your career—together.
Looking to build more confidence in professional communication? Check out our post: Master Business English.
