We’ve all been there.

You’re in a conversation, trying to make a good impression, but the right words just don’t come out. Instead of sounding insightful and confident, you feel like you’re fumbling through your thoughts.

A lot of people think intelligence is about using big words or complicated ideas, but that’s not really the case.

In fact, psychology shows that the smartest-sounding people don’t necessarily have the largest vocabulary—they just know how to phrase things in a way that makes them sound thoughtful and articulate.

The good news? You don’t need to memorize fancy jargon or speak like a professor to sound smarter. It’s actually much simpler than that.

Here are eight easy phrases that can instantly make you sound more intelligent, according to psychology.

1) “I don’t know”

A lot of people assume that sounding smart means having all the answers. But the reality is, the smartest people aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something.

Instead of trying to bluff your way through a topic or give a vague response, simply saying “I don’t know” can actually make you seem more intelligent. People who acknowledge gaps in their knowledge come across as more thoughtful and trustworthy.

Of course, this doesn’t mean stopping there. Following up with something like, “But I’d love to learn more about it” or “What do you think?” keeps the conversation open and shows that you’re curious—a key trait of intelligent thinkers.

Being comfortable with not knowing everything doesn’t make you sound less smart. It makes you sound honest, open-minded, and confident in your ability to learn.

2) “That’s a great question”

Just like admitting when I don’t know something, I’ve learned that recognizing a good question makes me sound more thoughtful.

I used to feel pressured to respond right away whenever someone asked me something difficult. I thought pausing or acknowledging the question would make me seem unsure. But the truth is, taking a moment to say, “That’s a great question” actually makes me come across as more engaged and reflective.

I remember once in a meeting, someone asked me a question I wasn’t fully prepared for. Instead of scrambling for an answer, I said, “That’s a great question—I need to think about that for a second.”

To my surprise, nobody looked at me like I was unprepared. Instead, they seemed more interested in what I had to say next.

Pointing out a good question shows that you’re listening and thinking critically about the conversation. It also buys you a little time to gather your thoughts before responding.

3) “Tell me more”

Socrates once said, “Wisdom begins in wonder.” The smartest people aren’t the ones who talk the most—they’re the ones who listen, ask questions, and stay curious.

Saying “Tell me more” is one of the simplest ways to sound more intelligent because it shifts the focus from proving what you know to expanding what you know.

Instead of rushing to give my own opinion or waiting for my turn to speak, I’ve found that this phrase encourages deeper conversations and helps me understand things from perspectives I might not have considered.

Psychology backs this up—people are naturally drawn to those who show genuine interest in what they have to say. It makes conversations richer, builds connections, and often leads to insights I wouldn’t have reached on my own.

4) “I never thought about it that way”

Our brains are wired to resist being wrong. When we hear something that challenges our beliefs, our first instinct is often to argue or dismiss it. But research in psychology shows that people who are open to new perspectives are seen as more intelligent and insightful.

Saying “I never thought about it that way” signals that you’re not just listening, but actually considering new ideas. It makes the person you’re speaking with feel heard and respected, which naturally leads to more meaningful discussions.

I’ve noticed that when I use this phrase, people open up more, and the conversation becomes much more interesting. Instead of feeling like a debate, it turns into a genuine exchange of ideas—something truly smart people are always looking for.

5) “What do you mean by that?”

A lot of misunderstandings happen because people assume they know what the other person means. But language is tricky—two people can use the same words and mean completely different things.

Instead of pretending to understand or jumping to conclusions, asking “What do you mean by that?” forces both sides to slow down and clarify their thoughts. It shows that you’re not just passively listening but actually trying to grasp the deeper meaning behind someone’s words.

I’ve found that this phrase often leads to surprising insights. Sometimes, what I thought someone meant wasn’t what they actually intended at all. Other times, it helps the other person refine their own thinking as they explain.

Either way, it makes for a much smarter and more productive conversation.

6) “I see what you’re saying”

People want to feel understood. Even if you don’t completely agree with someone, acknowledging their perspective makes you seem more thoughtful and open-minded.

Saying “I see what you’re saying” doesn’t mean you have to accept their point of view, but it does show that you’re actively listening.

This can make conversations more productive because when people feel heard, they’re more willing to engage in a real exchange of ideas rather than just defending their opinions.

I’ve noticed that when I use this phrase, people become less defensive and more willing to hear my perspective in return. It creates a conversation where both sides are actually trying to understand each other instead of just waiting for their turn to speak.

7) “That’s a good point”

A lot of people think sounding smart means proving others wrong. But in reality, truly intelligent people know how to recognize good ideas—even when they come from someone else.

Saying “That’s a good point” does two things. First, it shows that you’re confident enough in your own thinking to acknowledge when someone else has made a valid argument.

Second, it makes the conversation more collaborative rather than competitive. When people feel their input is valued, they’re more likely to engage in meaningful discussions rather than just trying to win an argument.

I’ve found that this phrase not only makes me seem more thoughtful, but it also encourages better conversations. When people see that I’m willing to recognize strong ideas, they’re more open to hearing my thoughts as well.

8) “I was wrong”

Admitting when you’re wrong is one of the hardest things to do, but it’s also one of the smartest.

Many people avoid saying “I was wrong” because they think it makes them look weak or uninformed.

But psychology shows the opposite—people who can admit their mistakes are seen as more credible, confident, and intelligent. It takes real self-awareness and critical thinking to recognize when you’ve changed your mind based on new information.

I used to struggle with this. I’d catch myself defending a position even when I started realizing I might be wrong. But the moment I started saying, “You know what? I was wrong about that,” something changed. Instead of losing respect, I gained it.

People appreciated my honesty, and conversations became more productive instead of turning into endless debates.

Being able to admit when you’re wrong isn’t just about sounding smart—it’s about actually becoming smarter.

The bottom line

The way we communicate shapes how others perceive our intelligence—not by using complex words, but by showing curiosity, openness, and thoughtfulness.

Small shifts in language can make a huge difference. Asking better questions, admitting when we don’t know something, and recognizing good points from others all signal a sharp and engaged mind.

These habits don’t just make us sound smarter; they help us become better thinkers and communicators.

Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” The smartest people aren’t the ones who have all the answers—they’re the ones who are willing to learn, listen, and grow.