I find it nerve-wracking to meet new people—the pressure to be interesting can hit like a ton of bricks.
And yet, the secret to being interesting is simpler than you might think.
It all comes down to what you say. You don’t need to fake anything or put on a show.
The right phrases can make your true personality shine in the best way.
In this article, I’ll share eight simple phrases that can turn any conversation into a genuine connection.
Ready to make an unforgettable impression? Let’s get into it.
1) “Tell me more…”
In any social situation, showing genuine interest in the other person is important. And the simplest way to do that?
Use the phrase, “Tell me more…”.
This phrase achieves two things at once. First, it invites the other person to share more about themselves, making them feel valued and heard.
Second, it shows that you’re not just interested in talking about yourself. You’re also eager to learn about their experiences, opinions, and stories.
Research shows that responsiveness in everyday communication is crucial for fostering social connection, which in turn boosts well-being.
A study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies found that moments of perceived responsiveness—where one person feels truly listened to—can increase feelings of hope through social connection.
So, when you use “Tell me more…”, you’re not just asking for more information. You’re enhancing the quality of your interaction and contributing to both parties’ sense of well-being.
Just note that using this phrase implies a commitment from your side to actually listen and engage in the conversation. So when you say “Tell me more…”, make sure you mean it.
You need to find the perfect balance between being genuinely interested and respectful of their comfort level in sharing.
You don’t want to come off as prying or invading their privacy. The goal is to build a connection based on mutual respect and curiosity.
Start using this phrase in your conversations and watch how it transforms your interactions with new people.
2) “I can relate to that…”
Sharing common ground is a great way to connect with new people. The phrase, “I can relate to that…”, does exactly that.
I remember once, at a networking event, I struck up a conversation with a complete stranger.
She was sharing her experiences about balancing her career and her passion for travel. Instead of just nodding along, I said, “I can relate to that…”.
I then shared my own struggle of managing work while pursuing my love for photography. This opened up an entirely new level of conversation.
We started exchanging travel stories, photography tips and even discussed our favorite travel destinations.
This simple phrase not only deepened our conversation but also created a personal connection. It showed her that I was not just listening but truly understanding and empathizing with her experiences.
That said, make sure you don’t steer the conversation entirely in your direction or make it all about yourself.
3) “Have you ever noticed…?”
Directing the conversation toward an observation can be an excellent way to keep things engaging. The phrase, “Have you ever noticed…?” is a wonderful conversation starter.
Let’s take a common scenario as an example. “Have you ever noticed how coffee tastes different depending on the cup you drink it in?”
This statement is not only interesting but it also opens up the conversation for shared experiences and personal opinions.
Using “Have you ever noticed…?” sparks curiosity and invites others to share their observations or experiences related to your comment.
It’s a subtle way to showcase your observational skills and your knack for noticing the little things in life.
4) “That reminds me of…”
Linking the conversation to an interesting anecdote or a relevant experience can make you come across as more engaging. The phrase, “That reminds me of…” is perfect for this.
Imagine someone is talking about their recent hiking trip. You can chime in with, “That reminds me of the time when I went camping and we had to cook our meals over an open fire.”
This not only keeps the conversation flowing but also allows you to share a bit of your own experiences, making you more relatable.
This phrase shows that you’re actively listening and processing what they’re saying, and that their words are triggering thoughts and memories for you.
However, I will say it again: keep the conversation balanced. It’s great to share your experiences, but take care not to dominate the conversation.
5) “I appreciate your…”
Compliments, when genuine and specific, can create a positive impression. Using the phrase “I appreciate your…” is a heartfelt way to express admiration without coming off as insincere.
For instance, if someone has shared a thoughtful insight or gave a detailed explanation about something, you could say, “I appreciate your perspective on that” or “I appreciate your clarity in explaining that.”
This phrase shows that you value their thoughts and contributions to the conversation. It not only makes them feel seen and heard, but also builds mutual respect and understanding.
However, flattery can be easily seen through. So, when you use this phrase, make sure it’s genuine and based on something that truly impressed you about the person.
6) “I’ve always found it challenging to…”
Do you want to be more relatable? Try a bit of vulnerability with the phrase “I’ve always found it challenging to…”.
Admitting our challenges or struggles can be a powerful way to connect with others.
For instance, in a conversation about public speaking, you might say, “I’ve always found it challenging to speak in front of a large audience.”
This admission not only humanizes you but also opens up an avenue for the other person to share their own challenges or fears.
I remember using this phrase when discussing fitness goals. I admitted, “I’ve always found it challenging to maintain a consistent workout routine.”
This led to an animated discussion about personal fitness goals, workout strategies and even some shared struggles.
However, be cautious not to overdo it or steer the conversation towards negative topics. The aim here is to encourage mutual sharing and understanding, not to bring down the mood.
7) “What’s your opinion on…?”
Inviting someone to share their opinion is a great way to show respect for their thoughts and perspectives.
Whether it’s a current event, a popular book, an intriguing movie, or a controversial topic, asking someone for their opinion shows that you value their viewpoint.
It not only gives them the opportunity to express themselves but also opens up the conversation for a deeper discussion.
For example, you could ask, “What’s your opinion on the latest Marvel movie?” or “What’s your opinion on remote work versus office work?”
However, when discussing sensitive topics, be sure to approach the conversation with respect and openness, without imposing your own beliefs or disregarding theirs.
8) “I love learning about…”
Expressing your passion for learning can make you come across as an open-minded and interesting individual.
With the phrase, “I love learning about…”, you can establish yourself as someone who is eager to grow and learn new things.
Personally, I love it when people share with me what they’re interested in. They’ve inspired me to share my own interests and delve into new topics as well.
So, go ahead and use “I love learning about…” in your conversations. It’s a great way to showcase your curiosity and enthusiasm, making you an interesting person to be around.
At the heart of it all: Make them feel heard
Being interesting is more focused on connecting with others than trying to dazzle them with stories. It happens when you show up with genuine curiosity and are fully present in the moment.
The phrases we’ve discussed are simple ways to spark deeper conversations and show others that you’re listening. The next time you meet someone new, focus on making them feel heard and understood.
By doing that, you’ll naturally stand out, and the conversation will flow more easily. Give these phrases a try, and you’ll find that building meaningful connections is easier than you might think.