The #1 Salary Negotiation Script I Teach All My Clients (And You Can Use It Too)
For the woman who’s done playing small with her paycheck.
Let’s start with the truth.
You don’t need another certification to get paid more. And you definitely don’t need to cross your fingers and hope someone finally “notices” your value.
What you do need is the right script and the confidence to use it when it matters most.
In my 15+ years as a corporate HR leader, I’ve watched brilliant women stay stuck time and time again. Not because they weren’t ready for more, but because no one ever taught them how to ask for it. How to own their voice. How to talk about money without shrinking.
This post is about changing that.
Today, I’m sharing the exact salary negotiation script I teach the women I coach. It’s the same one that’s helped them land ten, twenty, even fifty-thousand dollar increases without oversharing, or second-guessing, or waiting on permission.
But before I hand you the words, let me tell you what changed everything for me.
The Salary Conversation That Changed Everything
Years ago, I was promoted to a Director role internally. It was a moment I had been working toward for years. I was excited, proud, and completely unprepared for what came next.
Because when they gave me the offer, I didn’t negotiate.
I smiled. I said thank you. I accepted the role with gratitude. I didn’t question the number, didn’t counter, didn’t even pause to consider that maybe I had leverage.
Why? Because it felt like enough to be chosen as an internal candidate. Like asking for more would somehow make me ungrateful.
Fast forward six months. I was leading major initiatives, getting top results in the company, and gaining visibility. One day, it hit me. I was operating at a high level and still being paid not much more than some of the people on my team.
So I gathered my receipts. I built my case. I practiced my delivery.
And when I walked into that conversation, I didn’t flinch.
The result? A $20K increase. Not because someone noticed me. Because I asked.
That raise wasn’t just about the money. It was about power. It was about peace. And it was proof. Proof that knowing your value isn’t enough. You have to say it out loud.
The Salary Negotiation Script That Helped My Clients Land $10K to $50K More
Here’s the exact phrase I teach women to use when negotiating salary or asking for a raise:
“Based on the market, the scope of the role, and the value I bring, I’m targeting [$X]. I’m confident we can land on a number that reflects both the opportunity and the impact I’ll make.”
That’s it.
Simple. Clear. No fluff. No apologies.
Let’s break down why it works and how to use it in your next compensation conversation.
“Based on the market, the scope of the role, and the value I bring…”
This opening line shows you’ve done your homework.
It anchors your ask in three solid points: market research, job responsibilities, and measurable value. You’re not negotiating based on emotion or need. You’re bringing business logic to a business conversation.
“I’m targeting [$X]…”
This part avoids vague, passive language like “I was hoping” or “I’d love.”
You’re not wishing. You’re owning.
The word “targeting” gives you control while still sounding collaborative. It opens the door for conversation, but it also plants a flag.
“I’m confident we can land on a number that reflects both the opportunity and the impact I’ll make.”
This is where you position the negotiation as a win-win.
You’re not asking for a favor. You’re aligning your compensation with the value you plan to deliver. That’s what makes this script powerful.
How to Ask for a Raise Without Feeling Awkward or Undervalued
This is where many women freeze.
What if they say no
What if they think I’m being difficult
What if I lose the opportunity
But here’s the better question.
What if staying silent keeps you stuck at a salary you’ve already outgrown
What if this role becomes a source of resentment six months from now, not because you hate the work, but because the number never matched the effort
The real risk isn’t asking. The real risk is shrinking.
Power Phrases to Use in a Salary Conversation
When you’re ready to speak up, keep these scripts in your back pocket:
“Thanks for sharing the offer. Before I respond, I’d love to talk through a few areas that are important to me.”
“I’m really excited about the opportunity and want to make sure the package reflects the scope and value of the role.”
“Is there flexibility to revisit the base salary number”
“Would you be open to exploring adjustments to the total package, including bonus, development budget, or PTO”
Each of these opens the door to negotiation while showing clarity, professionalism, and leadership.
Salary Negotiation Tips to Increase Leverage and Confidence
Negotiation isn’t just about what you say. It’s about when you say it.
Here’s the truth most people miss.
You have the most leverage the moment an offer is made.
Not once you’ve accepted. Not six months into the role.
Right when they say, “We want you.”
At that point, they’ve invested in you. They don’t want to restart the process. That moment is power. Use it.
Here’s how:
1. Practice in the mirror
Say the number until it doesn’t make your voice shake. Confidence is a muscle.
2. Know your range
Have a high, mid, and walk-away number in mind. But never lead with the lowest.
3. Don’t trail off
Say the number. Then stop. Let it land. Silence is strategy.
4. Show your receipts
Bring two or three clear examples of how you’ve driven results, led change, or delivered impact.
Real Talk: Asking for More Doesn’t Make You Difficult
It makes you deliberate.
You are not a beggar at the table. You are not lucky to be there. You are a high-value professional deciding where to invest your time, energy, and brilliance.
Would a company hesitate to restructure or lay you off if it protected their bottom line
Then don’t hesitate to protect yours.
Final Words: Say the Number. Let It Land. Claim Your Worth.
You don’t need to justify your ask. You don’t need permission. You need a plan.
And now you have one.
So when the next offer comes, you won’t shrink. You won’t stall. You’ll speak clearly, ask boldly, and let the silence speak for you.
You’ve already done the work. Now let your paycheck reflect it.
Want the Script?
Download the exact words I use with clients to help them land five-figure raises with clarity and confidence.
Inside my free Salary Script PDF, you’ll get:
A raise request template you can customize and use
Fill-in-the-blank power phrases
Extra tips for handling tough salary conversations
Because your next level doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from asking smarter.