22 words and phrases that can help get people to trust you at work

Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design/flickr

Let's begin with a disclaimer: Words alone do not build trust, says Darlene Price, president of Well Said, Inc., and author of "Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results." 

"Trust means that someone relies on you to do what you say you will do, or to act like the kind of person you say you are. Actions ultimately determine whether or not you earn another person's trust," she says.

However, words can lay the foundation.

"The right words invite people to trust you — they convince people to give you a chance to prove you're a trustworthy person. The adage, 'Actions speak louder than words' is ancient wisdom for a reason."

Getting people to trust you is imperative — and this is especially true at work. 

"Would you believe in something, rely upon someone, or do business with a company you don't trust? The answer is likely 'no,'" says Price. "That's because the basis for a healthy, productive relationship is trust."

As a professional, it's critical to earn the trust of those with whom you work. "For example, as an employee, you need your boss to have confidence in your abilities before he or she will promote you. As a manager, you need your team to rely on your leadership before they'll follow," Price says. "As a speaker or presenter, you need your audience to believe in your message before they'll act on your recommendation."

When people trust you, they're far more likely to believe in you, bond with you, and buy from you.

Here are 20 phrases that will help you earn the trust of your colleagues, boss, clients, and anyone else you work with:

'You can trust me'

"Researchers found that placing this sentence at the end of an advertisement for an auto service firm caused their trust scores to jump by 33%," explains Price. "These powerful words of promise produced significant increases in specific areas of performance — from price and fair treatment, to quality and competency." 

When you want others to trust you, don't be afraid to state the obvious — remind them that they can trust you.

'Yes,' or 'Absolutely.'

"When it's appropriate to do so, give an affirmative response when others genuinely need and ask for your assistance," says Price.

"Imagine your boss asks, 'Can you send me your proposal by 3.pm.? I need it for the customer meeting.' Or a customer asks, 'Can you help me solve this issue?' Or a coworker requests, 'Can you cover for me — my child is sick.' Saying 'Yes!' to others when they need your help shows you care about them and that you're invested in the relationship. It's a sure way to earn their trust and foster good will." 

'I will,' 'I can,' or 'I'd be happy to.'

Like saying 'Yes,' these phrases show confidence and a willingness to help. 

Price suggests avoiding tentative or begrudging replies such as, "I'm really busy but I'll try," or, "Maybe … I'll see what I can do." 

"Words like 'try' and 'maybe' imply the possibility of failure and diminish another's ability to rely on you," she explains. "Even worse are phrases that jeopardize trust such as, 'That's not my problem' or 'Well that's not my job.'"