8 phrases interesting people use to keep conversations engaging

When someone asks “How are you?”, you reply “I’m good, and you?” – standard small talk, right? But what if I told you that the most interesting people among us don’t stick to such predictable scripts?

Oh yes, they’ve got a whole different playbook.

Indeed, in the art of conversation, these fascinating folks have mastered the use of eight distinctive phrases that keep dialogues lively, engaging, and far from mundane.

In this piece, we’ll be unveiling those magical utterances that can transform any chat into an invigorating exchange of ideas.

And who knows? Perhaps by adopting these phrases, you could not only make your conversations more dynamic but also give your entrepreneurial instincts a surprising boost.

Stay tuned as we delve into the verbal arsenal of the most engaging conversationalists!

1) “Tell me more about that”

We’ve all been there, stuck in a conversation that feels as lively as a flat soda. It’s taxing, to say the least.

But interesting people have a knack for transforming these bland exchanges into sparkling dialogues. And one of their secret weapons is the simple phrase, “Tell me more about that”.

It might sound basic, but it’s surprisingly potent. This phrase signals to the other person that you’re genuinely interested in what they’re saying.

It invites them to delve deeper, share more of their thoughts, their ideas, their experiences.

Suddenly, it’s not just idle chit-chat anymore. It’s a meaningful conversation, where both parties feel heard and valued.

And as an added bonus? This level of engagement can do wonders for building strong business relationships.

So next time you’re in a conversation that’s fizzling out, try it out. Just say, “Tell me more about that”. You might be surprised at how the dynamic shifts.

2) “That reminds me of when I…”

Now, let’s talk about another phrase that interesting people often use: “That reminds me of when I…”

A couple of years ago, I found myself at a networking event, surrounded by strangers and struggling to keep the conversation flowing.

Then, someone mentioned a recent trip to Japan, and it clicked. Instead of just nodding along, I jumped in with, “That reminds me of when I visited Tokyo last summer…”

Suddenly, the conversation took a new turn. We started swapping travel stories, discussing our favorite Japanese dishes, and sharing cultural experiences.

This simple phrase had transformed a rather monotonous interaction into an engaging dialogue.

It not only allowed me to contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way but also helped establish a connection with the rest of the group.

Sharing personal anecdotes not only keeps the conversation interesting but also makes you more relatable.

Don’t shy away from saying, “That reminds me of when I…” when you see an opportunity!

3) “Have you ever considered…?”

“Have you ever considered…?” is another phrase that interesting people tend to use quite a bit. It’s their way of stirring the pot, injecting fresh perspectives into the conversation.

Take this scenario: You’re discussing the latest trends in digital marketing. The conversation is flowing, but it’s treading on familiar ground.

That’s when you can throw in a curveball: “Have you ever considered how virtual reality could revolutionize this field?”

Suddenly, the conversation takes an exciting detour. People start debating, brainstorming, exploring this new idea.

And just like that, a routine chat about digital marketing becomes a stimulating discussion about the future of technology.

Presenting new viewpoints or ideas promotes cognitive flexibility and fosters creative thinking.

Not only does this phrase keep conversations engaging, but it also stimulates intellectual growth.

A win-win situation, don’t you think?

4) “I never thought about it that way”

Admitting that you’ve gained a new perspective can be a game-changer in conversations. That’s where the phrase “I never thought about it that way” comes into play.

Interesting people aren’t afraid to show that they’re learning from the conversation. In fact, they embrace it.

This phrase is their way of acknowledging that someone else’s viewpoint has made them see things in a new light.

It shows humility and openness to other people’s ideas. Plus, it reassures the other person that their thoughts and perspectives are valued and appreciated.

Next time someone presents an idea or viewpoint that shifts your thinking, don’t hold back.

Let them know – “I never thought about it that way”. It could take your conversation to an entirely new level.

5) “From my experience…”

Whenever I want to add depth to a conversation, I often find myself using the phrase “From my experience…”.

It’s a great way to share personal insights or lessons learned without coming off as preachy or self-absorbed.

Let’s say we’re talking about the challenges of running a small business. I could say, “From my experience, one of the most overlooked aspects is building a positive company culture.”

Suddenly, we’re not just discussing generic challenges anymore.

We’re diving into my personal journey, the hurdles I’ve faced, and the solutions I’ve discovered along the way.

Sharing our experiences can be incredibly powerful. It not only enriches the conversation but also creates a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding.

Next time you’re in a deep discussion, don’t hesitate to share your unique perspective. Start with “From my experience…” and see where it takes you.

6) “I disagree, and here’s why…”

Now, let’s break some rules. You might think that disagreement is a conversation killer.

But interesting people know that it can actually be a conversation catalyst, especially when prefaced with “I disagree, and here’s why…”

Yes, this phrase can stir up controversy. But it also opens up a platform for healthy debate and diverse viewpoints.

It shows that you’re not just passively absorbing information but actively engaging with it.

For instance, if someone says that traditional marketing is dead in the age of digital media, you could respond with “I disagree, and here’s why… Traditional marketing still has its place because…”

What follows is likely to be a lively exchange of ideas, where both parties are encouraged to think critically and defend their points of view.

Don’t be afraid to stir things up a bit. A little disagreement can go a long way in making conversations more engaging.

7) “What’s your take on…?”

Interesting people understand the importance of inviting others to share their thoughts and ideas. That’s why they often use phrases like, “What’s your take on…?”

This phrase is an open invitation for others to share their insights and perspectives. It shows that you value their opinion and are interested in understanding their viewpoint.

For example, if you’re discussing the latest trends in technology, you could ask, “What’s your take on the impact of artificial intelligence on small businesses?”

Not only does this keep the conversation engaging, but it also provides an opportunity to learn from others and broaden your own perspective.

A good conversation is not just about talking, it’s also about active listening. And sometimes, all it takes is asking for someone’s take on things to keep the dialogue engaging.

8) “Let’s explore this further”

The ultimate phrase that interesting people use to keep conversations engaging is, “Let’s explore this further.”

This phrase signals your curiosity and willingness to delve deeper into the topic at hand. It shows that you’re not just there for a surface-level chat, but rather for an immersive, intellectually stimulating discussion.

Whether it’s a complex business strategy or a philosophical debate, this phrase encourages further exploration and critical thinking.

It keeps the conversation from stagnating and ensures that it continues to evolve and unfold.

Using it might just transform your conversations from mere exchanges of words into exciting journeys of discovery.

Conversations are an art

As we pull the curtains on this discourse, I hope you’ve realized that conversations are truly an art.

An art that interesting people have managed to master with the help of these eight distinctive phrases.

But remember, it’s not just about memorizing these phrases and mechanically inserting them into your conversations.

It’s about genuinely wanting to engage with others, to delve deeper, to learn, and to grow.

As American author Bryant H. McGill once said, “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” Listen, engage, and keep your conversations alive with these phrases.

After all, every conversation is an opportunity – for connection, for growth, for understanding.

Why not make the most of it? Let these phrases guide you as you navigate the art of conversation. And who knows? You might just find yourself becoming a more interesting person along the way.