TL;DR: Master Conversations with 10 Simple Phrases to Build Trust and Connection
Enhance your communication skills and build better relationships in business by using these 10 psychologically backed phrases. They help you appear likable, engaged, and trustworthy:
• "Tell me more about that." Shows curiosity and active listening.
• "I never thought about it that way." Demonstrates humility and openness to new ideas.
• "You’re really good at that." Gives authentic, specific compliments to boost confidence.
• "What do you think about…?" Encourages collaboration and values others' input.
• "I appreciate you taking the time." Expresses gratitude and respect for someone's effort.
Use these phrases with genuine intent to transform your interactions. Start practicing these during your next conversation!
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Have you ever noticed how certain people have an almost magnetic charm during conversations? You feel instantly drawn to them, and they leave a lasting impression. Often, it’s not what they say but how and why they say it, simple phrases that resonate deeply. As an entrepreneur and a long-time observer of human connection, I’ve come to realize just how critical these seemingly minor conversational habits are, especially in business. The ability to be likable is not just a “soft skill”; it’s a strategic advantage in every industry.
But here’s the truth: most of us aren’t born with these conversational superpowers. Instead, they’re learned. And as someone running multiple ventures, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful a few well-placed phrases can be. A deal saved, a partnership born, a conflict de-escalated, all because of simple, intentional language.
In this article, I’ll teach you 10 simple phrases that you can apply IMMEDIATELY. Backed by psychology and practical insight, these phrases will make you significantly more engaging, trusted, and memorable.
1. “Tell me more about that.”
This phrase is pure magic. It shows curiosity and signals to the other person, “I value your perspective.” Whether you’re in a brainstorming session, pitching an idea, or just having coffee, asking for more detail builds rapport instantly.
- Why it works: It positions you as a great listener, widely considered one of the most likable traits.
- Example: You’re discussing a marketing strategy, and your team member mentions a past campaign. Instead of moving to the next topic, ask, “Tell me more about how that worked, what stood out to you?”
2. “I never thought about it that way.”
Admitting that someone has shifted your perspective is both rare and powerful. It demonstrates openness, intelligence, and humility, all traits that make people trust you more.
- Why it works: It validates their point of view, creating an emotional connection.
- Example: During a conversation about remote work, say, “I hadn’t thought about how flexible hours improve creativity. Thanks for pointing that out.”
3. “You’re really good at that.”
Everyone loves to be recognized for what they’re good at. But throwing casual compliments isn’t enough, you must be specific. Instead of saying, “You’re awesome,” try, “You’re so good at breaking down complex ideas for the team.”
- Why it works: Personalized, authentic praise triggers happy chemicals like dopamine in the brain.
- Example: Compliment a colleague, “Your insight on user feedback was really sharp, it’s going to shape how we approach this product launch.”
4. “What do you think about…?”
People love feeling included in decisions. Asking for their opinions makes conversations more collaborative, and you might even learn something valuable! Don’t underestimate how far this simple question can go.
- Why it works: Boosts the other person’s confidence and makes them feel valued.
- Example: In a team meeting: “What do you think about pivoting our approach to focus more on user retention?”
5. “I appreciate you taking the time.”
This phrase is criminally underused. Think about the last time someone sincerely thanked you for your time, chances are, it stuck with you. Expressing thanks for someone’s time shows gratitude and leaves a positive impression.
- Why it works: Grateful people are seen as more likable and emotionally intelligent.
- Example: After a one-on-one meeting with an investor: “I appreciate you taking the time to dive into those metrics, it really means a lot.”
6. “That reminds me of when you said…”
Bringing up something someone previously said proves you were listening, a skill in short supply these days. This builds trust and deepens the conversational bond.
- Why it works: Reinforces their importance and shows attentiveness.
- Example: “That reminds me of when you mentioned the importance of team culture last month. Your insights were spot on.”
7. “I was wrong about that.”
Admitting mistakes isn’t weakness, it’s strength. Owning up to an error earns respect and demonstrates integrity.
- Why it works: Shows vulnerability, which can be disarming and endearing.
- Example: “I was wrong about the timeline, I should’ve adjusted it based on your advice earlier. Thanks for pointing that out.”
8. “How did that make you feel?”
Conversations often stay surface-level, but this question dives deeper. People rarely get asked about their emotions, so this phrase tends to surprise, in the best way possible.
- Why it works: Creates stronger emotional connections and builds trust.
- Example: Reacting to a colleague’s presentation feedback: “How did it feel when they said that? I’m curious.”
9. “I’m so happy for you.”
Sometimes it’s hard to step out of our stress and just celebrate someone else’s joy. Saying this simple sentence sends a wave of positivity their way, without centering yourself.
- Why it works: Encourages sincere connection through shared joy.
- Example: “I’m so happy for you landing that client. You’ve worked really hard, and it’s great to see it pay off!”
10. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
Sometimes, the hardest part of a conversation is opening up. By acknowledging someone’s vulnerability, you create a safe space for deeper connections.
- Why it works: Frames their honesty as a gift, not a burden.
- Example: “Thank you for sharing that with me, it means a lot and gives me a new perspective.”
Final Tip: These phrases aren’t meant to be robotic, pair them with sincerity and warmth. Practice them with intention, and watch how your conversations transform. Want more actionable insights? Check out resources on communication best practices to stay ahead in your entrepreneurial journey!
FAQ on Phrases to Instantly Improve Conversations
What are some phrases to make someone feel heard and valued in a conversation?
Using phrases like "Tell me more about that" or "I’m so curious; how did it work out for you?" can help someone feel deeply heard. These phrases explicitly acknowledge the other person's experience and encourage them to open up further. Learn more about using engaging conversation techniques.
Which phrases encourage emotional connection in conversations?
An emotional connection often relies on questions or statements that explore feelings rather than just facts. For instance, saying "How did that make you feel?" or "I never thought about it that way" can create a deeper layer of interaction. Explore phrases to enhance emotional intelligence in conversations.
How can admitting mistakes improve relationships in personal or business talks?
Saying "I was wrong about that" acknowledges responsibility and demonstrates integrity. This simple act of humility not only builds trust but also bridges conflict in professional scenarios. Admitting mistakes creates a space for mutual respect and transparent relationships.
How can showing gratitude impact conversations positively?
Expressions such as "Thank you for sharing that with me" or "I appreciate you taking the time" make people feel noticed and respected. Such phrases emphasize your gratitude, fostering stronger and lasting interpersonal bonds. Check out gratitude phrases that improve engagement in professional discussions at Expert Editor Blog.
What is a simple compliment that offers a definitive positive impact?
Being specific with your praise strengthens its effect. For example, "You’re really good at simplifying complex ideas," demonstrates both attention to detail and genuine recognition of someone's strengths, leaving a memorable impression. More on effective praise here.
What’s an example of inviting inclusivity in a conversation?
Using open-ended questions like "What do you think about this?" allows others to voice their opinions and shows you value their perspective. This strategy is especially impactful in team meetings or brainstorming sessions.
How can prior conversations add depth in future interactions?
Referencing earlier discussions with phrases like "That reminds me of what you mentioned last time…" demonstrates attentive listening and interest. This small yet impactful technique strengthens personal or professional relationships.
How can you celebrate someone else’s success genuinely?
Phrases like "I’m so happy for you" focus completely on the other person’s achievements without shifting the spotlight to yourself. Pairing this statement with a follow-up like "How are you celebrating?" keeps the conversation joyful and authentic. Learn how to share someone else’s wins.
Why is it important to use curiosity-driven phrases during conversations?
Asking questions like "What’s your story?" or "Can you explain more about why this is important to you?" positions you as a great listener. Curiosity fosters mutual respect and often uncovers meaningful insights.
How can likable habits apply across settings like work or casual conversations?
Using phrases such as "That’s so interesting; tell me more" or "Your perspective really shapes the way I think about this" can equally apply during workplace meetings or social settings. The key lies in sincerity and aligning your tone with the context. Explore phrase applications in varying contexts.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.