I’ve always believed that the way we communicate says a lot about us.

Some people just have a natural way of making conversations flow, making others feel heard, and knowing exactly what to say in any situation.

The secret? It’s not just confidence or charm—it’s the words they use.

The right phrases can make people feel comfortable, respected, and valued, and that’s the mark of someone with above-average social skills.

If you find yourself using certain phrases in everyday conversations, chances are, you’re better at connecting with people than most.

Here are some key phrases that show you have strong social skills—whether you realize it or not.

1) “That makes sense”

We all want to feel understood. And one of the easiest ways to make someone feel that way is by acknowledging their perspective.

Saying “That makes sense” is a simple yet powerful phrase that shows you’re listening and validating what the other person is saying—even if you don’t necessarily agree.

People with strong social skills know that conversations aren’t just about talking; they’re about making others feel heard.

When you use this phrase, you’re signaling that you respect their thoughts and opinions, which makes them more likely to engage with you openly.

Of course, it has to be genuine. Don’t just say it for the sake of it—use it when you truly see where the other person is coming from.

2) “I see what you mean”

I remember a time when a friend was venting about a frustrating situation at work. She felt like her manager wasn’t acknowledging her efforts, and she was pretty upset about it.

Instead of jumping in with advice or trying to fix the problem, I simply said, “I see what you mean. That sounds really frustrating.”

Immediately, I could see her relax. She didn’t need me to solve anything—she just wanted to feel understood.

And that’s what people with strong social skills do. They don’t rush to offer solutions or dismiss emotions. They take a moment to acknowledge what the other person is feeling.

Using “I see what you mean” lets people know that you’re paying attention and that their perspective matters. It creates trust and makes conversations feel more natural and open.

3) “I appreciate that”

Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen relationships, and it doesn’t have to be reserved for big gestures. Even small acknowledgments can make a difference.

Saying “I appreciate that” instead of just “Thanks” makes your appreciation feel more genuine and personal. It shows that you’re not just being polite—you actually recognize the effort or thought behind what someone did.

Studies have shown that expressing gratitude strengthens social bonds and makes people more likely to help again in the future.

When you make a habit of showing appreciation, people naturally feel more valued around you, and that’s a key sign of strong social skills.

4) “What do you think?”

People love to feel like their opinions matter.

One of the easiest ways to make someone feel valued in a conversation is by asking, “What do you think?”

This simple phrase shifts the focus from you to the other person, showing that you’re genuinely interested in their thoughts. It encourages engagement and makes conversations feel more balanced rather than one-sided.

Great communicators know that good conversations aren’t just about talking—they’re about listening. When you ask for someone’s input, you’re not only making them feel included, but you’re also likely to learn something new in the process.

5) “That’s a good point”

Everyone likes to feel smart and appreciated, and a simple way to make that happen is by saying, “That’s a good point.”

This phrase does two things: it validates the other person’s thoughts and keeps the conversation positive.

Even if you don’t fully agree, acknowledging a good point shows that you’re open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives.

People with strong social skills know that conversations aren’t competitions. Instead of trying to “win” a discussion, they focus on making others feel heard and respected.

And when you do that, people are much more likely to listen to what you have to say in return.

6) “I’m really happy for you”

Celebrating someone else’s success might seem small, but it can mean the world to them.

Saying “I’m really happy for you” shows that you’re not just listening—you genuinely care about their happiness.

Too often, people hold back from expressing joy for others, either because they’re distracted or caught up in their own lives.

But true social intelligence means recognizing when someone has a moment worth celebrating and making sure they feel that joy reflected back at them.

A heartfelt “I’m really happy for you” can turn a simple conversation into a meaningful connection. It reminds people that their wins matter—not just to them, but to those around them too.

7) “I know how that feels”

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re going through something alone. When someone is struggling, hearing “I know how that feels” can be incredibly comforting.

I remember a time when I was dealing with a major setback, and I felt like no one really understood what I was going through. Then, a friend simply said, “I know how that feels. It’s really tough.”

That one sentence made me feel less isolated, like my emotions weren’t just mine to carry.

People with strong social skills don’t just listen—they connect. They let others know that their feelings are valid and that they’re not alone in whatever they’re experiencing.

8) “Take your time”

In a world where everything moves fast, patience is one of the most underrated social skills.

Saying “Take your time” lets the other person know that they don’t have to rush, whether they’re gathering their thoughts, making a decision, or simply expressing themselves.

No one likes feeling pressured, and this phrase removes that stress. It shows that you respect their pace and are willing to give them the space they need.

Great communicators understand that good conversations aren’t just about what’s said—they’re also about creating an environment where people feel comfortable.

And sometimes, just knowing they don’t have to hurry makes all the difference.

9) “I’m here for you”

At the heart of strong social skills is the ability to make people feel supported.

Saying “I’m here for you” is one of the most powerful things you can offer someone, whether they’re going through a tough time or just need to know they’re not alone.

It doesn’t mean you have to fix anything or have all the answers. It just means that, no matter what, they don’t have to go through it alone.

Bottom line: Words shape connections

The way we communicate isn’t just about exchanging information—it’s about building relationships, trust, and understanding.

The words we choose can make others feel valued, heard, and supported, shaping the way they see us and how they respond in return.

It’s not about using the “right” phrases as a trick or technique. It’s about being intentional with our words and recognizing their impact.

Because in the end, the way we speak to others influences not just our conversations, but the quality of our relationships—and that’s what truly matters.