There’s no denying that words are powerful. They can either make or break a conversation.

However, have you ever noticed how smart people have a knack for using certain phrases that set them apart?

These phrases aren’t just thrown around. They’re carefully selected and used strategically to make conversations more engaging, insightful, and meaningful.

That’s what we’ll be exploring today.

Here’s a sneak peek into the conversational playbook of the intellectually gifted. 

Brace yourselves as we delve into some phrases that indicate someone might just be smarter than the average person.

Remember, it’s not about sounding fancy. It’s about effective communication. 

So let’s get started.

1) “What’s your perspective?”

In any conversation, one trait that sets smart people apart is their relentless pursuit of understanding. They don’t just listen to reply, they listen to understand.

One phrase they often use is “What’s your perspective?” This question does two things. 

First, it shows that they value the other person’s opinion. Second, it allows them to gather as much information as possible before forming their own viewpoint.

This phrase isn’t about agreement or disagreement. It’s about getting a comprehensive view of the situation from all angles. 

By asking for someone’s perspective, they’re inviting a deeper level of conversation.

Smart people know that every individual brings a unique viewpoint to the table. And by eliciting these viewpoints, they’re not just making the conversation richer, they’re also learning and growing.

2) “I don’t know, let’s find out”

Being smart isn’t about knowing all the answers, it’s about knowing how to find them. That’s why you’ll often hear smart people say, “I don’t know, let’s find out.”

I remember once when my friend asked me a question about a complex scientific concept.

Instead of brushing it off or making up an answer, I said, “I don’t know, let’s find out.” We spent the next hour diving into research and having an engaging discussion about our findings.

This phrase shows humility and curiosity, two hallmarks of intelligence. It invites learning and exploration into the conversation, turning a simple chat into a journey of discovery. 

And trust me, there’s no better way to widen your knowledge base and enrich your conversations than embracing the joy of learning together.

3) “Have you considered…?”

Smart people are often effective problem solvers, and a key tool in their arsenal is posing alternatives. That’s why they frequently use the phrase, “Have you considered…?”

This phrase subtly introduces new ideas without imposing them. It encourages the other person to think outside of their current mindset and explore different possibilities.

So, don’t be surprised if your conversation partner starts offering innovative solutions after hearing this phrase.

4) “I appreciate your viewpoint”

Smart individuals understand the power of validation in conversations. They know that by acknowledging others’ thoughts and feelings, they build trust and foster open communication. 

That’s why they frequently use the phrase, “I appreciate your viewpoint.”

This phrase doesn’t necessarily mean they agree with everything you say. 

But it does show that they respect your right to have different opinions. It signals their openness to diverse perspectives, and it makes others feel valued and heard.

Using this phrase can transform a potentially confrontational conversation into a productive dialogue. 

It’s a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding—crucial components of intelligent communication.

5) “Can you tell me more about that?”

Curiosity is a common trait among smart people. They know that there’s always more to learn and understand, which is why they often ask, “Can you tell me more about that?”

I’ll admit, there was a point in my life where I would shy away from asking this question. I feared it would make me appear uninformed or ignorant. 

But over time, I realized that this phrase doesn’t expose a lack of knowledge; instead, it shows a desire to learn and understand more deeply.

By inviting others to share more information, smart people not only gather more insights but also make the other person feel valued and heard. 

It’s an acknowledgment that their thoughts and experiences are worth exploring further.

6) “Let’s look at this from another angle”

Smart individuals know that there’s rarely just one way to approach a problem.

They understand the value of perspective and aren’t afraid to explore different viewpoints. 

That’s why you’ll often hear them say, “Let’s look at this from another angle.”

This phrase is a clear indicator of an open mind. 

It shows their willingness to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions in pursuit of the best solution.

It also encourages others in the conversation to do the same, fostering a more productive and enriching dialogue.

This approach not only leads to better problem-solving but also promotes creativity and innovation, hallmarks of intelligent thinking.

7) “Thank you for sharing that”

The phrase “Thank you for sharing that” is more than just a polite expression. It’s a hallmark of emotional intelligence, an essential aspect of being smart.

Smart people understand that conversations aren’t just about exchanging facts and ideas. They’re also about sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

By thanking someone for sharing, they’re acknowledging the effort and courage it takes to open up.

This phrase builds a strong connection and fosters trust. It encourages openness and honesty, making conversations more meaningful and enriching. 

So, if you hear someone using this phrase often, chances are they’re smarter than the average person.

Words as windows

Conversations are more than mere exchanges of words. They’re windows into our minds, revealing our intelligence, thought processes, and emotional depth.

The phrases we’ve discussed are more than just smart-sounding. 

Each one is a tool that smart people use to navigate conversations effectively. 

From expressing curiosity to respecting diverse perspectives, these phrases are hallmarks of smart communicators.

But remember, it’s not just about using these phrases.

It’s about embodying the attitudes and values they represent: curiosity, humility, respect for others, and a relentless pursuit of understanding.

So the next time you find yourself in a conversation, pay attention to the words you choose.

They might just reveal more about you than you think. And who knows? You might just be smarter than the average person.