If someone uses these 17 phrases, they’re a great conversationalist

Have you ever wondered why some people are so good at making chit-chat?

They can start a conversation with anyone and make it feel like they’re old friends.

This isn’t because they’re naturally gifted or super charming. It’s because they know what to say and when to say it.

In this article, we’ll reveal the top 17 phrases used by these great conversationalists.

These aren’t fancy or complicated words. They are simple phrases that can make a big difference in your chats.

Let’s go. 

1. “Tell me more about that.”

Great conversationalists are like detectives—they’re always on the hunt for more information.

When they say, “Tell me more about that,” they’re not just asking for details.

They’re showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying, making them feel valued and heard.

It opens up the conversation, allowing for a deeper, more meaningful dialogue.

Remember, the best conversations are not monologues, but dialogues.

This phrase invites the other person to open up and share more of their story. 

2. “I don’t know.”

You’re probably wondering, “Why on earth is ‘I don’t know’ on this list?”

Here’s the thing: great conversationalists aren’t know-it-alls.

They’re open, authentic, and not afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers.

Saying “I don’t know” shows that you’re honest and humble. It shows that you’re willing to learn, to be corrected, and to grow.

This simple phrase can disarm the other person, making them feel more comfortable and respected.

3. “I completely disagree, but…”

This phrase might raise a few eyebrows. After all, isn’t disagreement something to avoid in a conversation?

However, great conversationalists know that respectful disagreement is not only healthy but can also add depth to a discussion.

When someone says, “I completely disagree, but…”, they’re not just brushing off the other person’s perspective.

Instead, they’re expressing their own viewpoint while still valuing the other person’s thoughts.

It’s a signal that they are ready for a healthy debate, where both parties can learn and grow.

4. “That reminds me of a time when…”

We all love stories. From childhood tales to blockbuster movies, stories captivate us, make us think, and, most importantly, make us feel.

Great conversationalists know this well and often use personal anecdotes to bring a conversation to life.

When they say, “That reminds me of a time when…”, they’re not just sharing an experience. They’re also making the conversation more relatable and human.

They’re painting a vivid picture with their words, pulling the listener into their world.

5. “I understand where you’re coming from.”

In any conversation, empathy is key. It’s about understanding the emotions and perspectives of the other person. And there’s no better way to show empathy than by saying, “I understand where you’re coming from.”

This simple phrase can work wonders in a conversation.

It shows that you’re listening actively and that you’re trying to see things from their point of view.

It’s a comforting statement that can make the other person feel validated and heard.

6. “I made a mistake.”

In the quest to be the life of the conversation, it’s easy to overlook one simple truth: we are all human, and humans make mistakes.

Great conversationalists understand this fact. They’re not afraid to say, “I made a mistake.”

This phrase shows that you’re honest and authentic. It says, “I’m not perfect. I mess up, just like you.”

It breaks down walls, levels the playing field, and invites the other person to be open and authentic as well.

Admitting a mistake can be tough—it requires swallowing your pride and embracing vulnerability.

But in the long run, it’s this raw honesty that strengthens bonds and deepens conversations. 

7. “You’re right.”

Now, this one might seem straightforward, but it’s often overlooked.

It’s natural to want to put forth our views and ideas in a conversation, but acknowledging the other person’s point of view with a simple “You’re right” can be incredibly powerful.

Admitting someone else’s correctness might seem like a blow to our ego, especially if we hold a different opinion.

But the magic of this phrase lies in its ability to show respect and consideration for the other person’s ideas.

Great conversationalists know this and aren’t afraid to accept when someone else has a point.

8. “I appreciate your perspective.”

In a world where everyone is eager to voice their opinions, taking a moment to appreciate someone else’s perspective can be a game-changer.

Saying “I appreciate your perspective” is a simple yet powerful way of showing that you value the other person’s thoughts and insights.

Great conversationalists use this phrase to bridge gaps, build connections, and stimulate deeper conversations.

It shows that they’re not just present in the conversation but are also open to understanding different viewpoints.

Importantly, it’s not about agreeing or disagreeing. It’s about recognizing and respecting diverse thoughts and perspectives.

9. “That’s a great question.”

I recall a time when someone said this to me during a conversation.

I was asking about a complex issue, and instead of jumping straight into the answer, they paused and said, “That’s a great question.”

It made me feel valued and appreciated, and I immediately felt more invested in the conversation.

When you tell someone, “That’s a great question,” it’s not just a compliment—it’s an affirmation.

You’re affirming their curiosity, their willingness to learn, and their contribution to the conversation.

It’s a small phrase, but it packs a powerful punch.

10. “Did you know…?”

Who doesn’t love a good fact or an interesting piece of trivia?

They can make a conversation more engaging and insightful.

When great conversationalists say, “Did you know…?”, they’re not just sharing a fact—they’re bringing something new and exciting to the table.

This phrase serves as a gateway to learning and discovery, opening up new topics for discussion.

It shows that you’re knowledgeable and curious, two traits that can add depth to any conversation.

For instance, did you know that a day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus?

This is because Venus has an extremely slow rotation on its axis and takes about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation. But it orbits the Sun in just about 225 Earth days.

Fun facts like these can infuse an element of surprise and novelty into your conversations.

So, the next time you’re in a discussion, don’t hesitate to share an interesting fact.

It could turn a casual chat into an engaging and enlightening conversation.

11. “How do you feel about…?”

When great conversationalists ask, “How do you feel about…?” they’re doing more than just asking for an opinion.

They’re inviting the other person to share their feelings and emotions on a particular topic, making the conversation more personal and authentic.

This phrase demonstrates that you’re not just interested in surface-level chatter, but you’re eager to delve deeper.

You’re interested in the other person’s emotions and perceptions, not just their thoughts and opinions.

However, it’s crucial to use this phrase wisely and sincerely.

Avoid asking about feelings on a topic that might be too personal or sensitive unless the level of comfort and trust in the conversation allows for it.

The goal is to foster an open and safe space for sharing, not to make the other person uncomfortable.

12. “I value your input.”

Acknowledging someone’s contribution in a conversation is a powerful way of building connection and rapport.

When great conversationalists say, “I value your input,” they’re making the other person feel respected and appreciated.

This phrase communicates that their opinions, ideas, and thoughts are not just heard but are also valued.

It gives the other person a sense of worth, encouraging them to share more openly and honestly.

In a conversation, especially a group conversation, people might hold back their thoughts for fear of being judged or ignored.

Using this phrase can reassure them, fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust.

So, remember to let the other person know that you value their input.

It not only validates their participation in the conversation but also makes them feel important and valued.

13. “Can you help me understand…?”

Great conversationalists know that they don’t have all the answers, and they aren’t shy about seeking clarity.

The phrase, “Can you help me understand…?” shows humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn—traits that make a conversation more engaging and mutual.

This phrase shows that you’re open to the other person’s knowledge and expertise.

It can empower them, as they realize they have something valuable to offer.

It also gives them the chance to explain, elaborate, and share their perspective more thoroughly.

14. “I’m sorry.”

Apologizing sincerely when you’ve done something wrong can be one of the most powerful phrases in a conversation.

Great conversationalists know this and aren’t afraid to say, “I’m sorry.”

This phrase communicates that you’re aware of your actions and their potential impact on others.

It shows that you take responsibility for your actions, a quality that builds trust and respect.

Saying “I’m sorry” isn’t just about fixing a mistake—it’s about maintaining and rebuilding relationships.

It’s about showing that you value the other person’s feelings and the conversation more than your ego.

15. “I’m glad we had this conversation.”

The power of these words hit me when, after a long, heartfelt conversation with a friend, they looked at me and said, “I’m glad we had this conversation.”

It made me realize the beauty of our exchange and how much closer it had brought us.

When great conversationalists say, “I’m glad we had this conversation,” they’re acknowledging the value of the exchange.

It’s a wholesome way to bring a conversation full circle, showing gratitude for the shared time, thoughts, and emotions.

This phrase serves as a comforting conclusion, leaving a warm, positive feeling that’s likely to stay with both parties long after the conversation has ended.

It underlines the beauty of meaningful dialogue—a connection of minds and hearts.

16. “What’s your take on…?”

We all like to be asked for our opinion—it makes us feel valued and respected.

When great conversationalists ask, “What’s your take on…?” they’re inviting the other person to share their unique perspective on a subject.

This phrase can transform a monologue into a dialogue, making the conversation more balanced and interactive.

It gives the other person the opportunity to express their thoughts and beliefs, promoting a more engaging and enriching conversation.

Remember, great conversations aren’t about asserting your views, but about exploring different viewpoints.

So, don’t hesitate to ask for the other person’s take on the topic. Their insights might give you a fresh perspective.

17. “I learned something new today.”

Ending a conversation with this phrase is a beautiful way to express gratitude towards the other person.

It signifies that you value their knowledge and that the conversation was beneficial for you.

When I use this phrase, it not only makes the other person feel appreciated but also makes me feel more connected with them.

It’s a subtle way of saying, “You’ve made an impact on me.”

It’s a wonderful way of appreciating the other person’s contribution and ending the discussion on a positive note.