The art of conversation: 8 simple phrases that instantly make people feel comfortable around you

When you chat with others, you naturally want them to feel at ease. If they’re relaxed, they’re more likely to open up, and that’s when real connection happens.

But achieving that sense of comfort isn’t always straightforward. After all, we’re dealing with the multi-layered complexity of human emotions.

Still, there are some tricks that can help. And the good news is, they’re not as complex as you might think.

In fact, there are 8 simple phrases that can instantly put people at their ease and make them feel comfortable around you.

That’s what we’ll explore in this article. I’ll share these phrases with you and explain why they work so well.

1) “I understand how you feel”

Every conversation we engage in is filled with emotions, whether we notice them or not.

They’re there, lurking under the surface, influencing our words and actions. And these emotions can greatly impact how comfortable others feel around us.

That’s where empathy comes into play. By expressing understanding of someone else’s feelings, you’re showing them that they’re not alone. That their feelings are valid and acknowledged.

“I understand how you feel” is a powerful phrase that conveys empathy in a genuine and direct way. It’s a simple acknowledgment that you’re tuned into their emotional state, and it can make a world of difference in how they perceive the conversation.

When people sense that you have empathy for their situation, they’re more likely to let their guard down and feel at ease. They’ll feel understood and connected to you on a deeper level.

It’s like giving them an emotional safety net, making them more comfortable to express their thoughts and feelings.

2) “That happened to me once too”

We’ve all had moments where we feel like we’re the only ones experiencing a particular situation. It can feel isolating, and it can make us hesitant to share our thoughts and feelings.

That’s why the phrase “That happened to me once too” can be a game-changer in a conversation.

I remember when I was at a networking event, feeling completely out of my depth. I was conversing with an accomplished author who seemed to have everything figured out. I admitted that I was feeling overwhelmed and a bit lost.

To my surprise, she responded with, “That happened to me once too”. She proceeded to share her own experiences when she was starting out, her own moments of uncertainty and overwhelm. Suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone anymore.

In that moment, she wasn’t just a successful author anymore. She was someone who had walked in my shoes and understood what I was going through.

And just like that, she made me feel comfortable in an otherwise intimidating situation.

Expressing that you’ve experienced similar situations can break down barriers and create a sense of camaraderie. It’s an easy way to make people feel understood and more comfortable around you.

3) “You’re doing a great job”

Did you know that humans are hardwired to respond positively to praise? It’s true. Praise triggers the reward centers in our brain, releasing dopamine and making us feel good.

Utilizing this in conversation can work wonders for someone’s comfort level. The phrase “You’re doing a great job” is a direct compliment that can boost the other person’s confidence and make them feel valued.

Whether they’re sharing their latest achievements or venting about a challenging situation, recognizing their efforts can help them feel seen and appreciated.

Praise doesn’t need to be extravagant. A simple acknowledgment of their hard work or perseverance can do the trick. It not only validates their efforts but also encourages them to continue pushing forward.

Just remember, sincerity is key. Genuine appreciation holds more weight than empty words, so make sure your praise is heartfelt and specific to what they’re doing well.

4) “I’m here for you”

We often underestimate the power of assurance in our conversations.

“I’m here for you” is a phrase that conveys support and solidarity. It tells the other person that they can lean on you, that you’re a safe place for them to express themselves.

Imagine you’re talking to someone who’s going through a tough time. They might be feeling vulnerable, unsure of how much they should share. By stating “I’m here for you”, you’re giving them permission to open up, to share their feelings without fear of judgment or rejection.

This phrase can be especially powerful in difficult conversations. It reassures the other person that they’re not alone, that they have your support no matter what.

It’s not just about saying the words, but also being willing to listen and be there for them when they need it most. That’s where real comfort comes from.

5) “I appreciate your honesty”

In my experience, the best conversations are the ones where both parties feel free to be completely honest. But honesty can sometimes feel risky, especially when discussing sensitive topics.

That’s why the phrase “I appreciate your honesty” can be so powerful. It shows that you value their openness and that you’re not going to judge them for being truthful.

I’ve found that when I express appreciation for someone’s honesty, it encourages them to continue being open with me. It builds trust and deepens our connection.

Remembering to acknowledge and appreciate honesty can transform your conversations. It not only makes people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with you, but also encourages a culture of honesty in all your interactions.

6) “I don’t know, can you tell me more?”

Often in conversations, we feel a pressure to know everything. But the truth is, admitting that you don’t know something can actually be a strength.

“I don’t know, can you tell me more?” is a phrase that achieves two things: it shows humility and it conveys genuine interest in what the other person has to say.

When you admit that you don’t have all the answers, it makes you more relatable. It breaks down the barriers of authority and allows for a more balanced conversation.

On top of that, asking someone to elaborate on a topic they’re knowledgeable about gives them a chance to share their expertise. It makes them feel valued and respected for their insights.

So, don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It might just make your conversations more engaging and comfortable for everyone involved.

7) “That’s a great point”

Acknowledging someone’s input is a sure-fire way to make them feel comfortable and valued in a conversation.

“That’s a great point” is a phrase that does just that. It shows the other person that you’re actively listening and appreciating their contributions to the discussion.

When someone feels heard, they’re more likely to express themselves freely and honestly. This validation can boost their confidence and encourage more in-depth conversation.

It’s not about agreeing with every point they make, but about recognizing their perspective and appreciating their input.

This simple phrase can transform a one-sided conversation into a dynamic exchange of ideas, making everyone involved feel more comfortable and engaged.

8) “Thank you”

Never underestimate the power of gratitude.

“Thank you” is perhaps the simplest and most impactful phrase in any conversation. It conveys respect, appreciation, and acknowledgment of the other person’s time and input.

Expressing gratitude makes people feel valued and appreciated. It creates a positive atmosphere that naturally makes people feel more comfortable.

So, don’t forget to say “thank you”. It’s a small gesture with significant impact.

Endnote: The power of simple phrases

Hopefully, if you’ve come this far, you’ll recognize the profound impact simple phrases can have in our daily interactions.

Because mastering the art of conversation isn’t about delivering eloquent speeches or always having the perfect response. It’s about creating a space where others feel comfortable to express themselves.

It’s about understanding, empathy, gratitude, and genuine interest in others. It’s about acknowledging the value of every individual’s thoughts and experiences.

If you can do that, you’re not just a good conversationalist. You’re someone who people naturally gravitate towards, someone who makes others feel seen and valued.

So the next time you find yourself in a conversation, remember these eight simple phrases. They’re more than just words – they’re a way to connect, to build bridges between us and those around us.

Because in the end, isn’t that what conversation is all about?