First impressions matter—a lot.
Whether you’re meeting a potential client, a new colleague, or just someone you’d like to connect with, the way you start the conversation can set the tone for everything that follows.
But here’s the thing: Socially intelligent people don’t just rely on a firm handshake or a friendly smile.
They know that the right words—used at the right time—can make all the difference.
Some of these phrases are so subtle you might not even notice them.
But when used intentionally, they can instantly make you more likable, trustworthy, and memorable.
Let’s dive into eight little-known phrases that socially intelligent people use to leave a lasting first impression:
1) “It’s really nice to meet you.”
First impressions aren’t just about introducing yourself—they’re about making the other person feel valued right from the start.
Socially intelligent people don’t settle for a plain “Nice to meet you.” as they add a little extra warmth by saying, “It’s really nice to meet you.”
That one small tweak makes a big difference.
It shows genuine enthusiasm, making the interaction feel more personal and engaging; it also signals that you’re present in the conversation, not just going through the motions.
Here’s the best part—when people feel appreciated from the very first moment, they’re much more likely to remember you in a positive light.
2) “I’d love to hear your thoughts on that.”
People love feeling heard, and socially intelligent people know that the best way to make a great first impression isn’t by talking—it’s by listening.
I remember a networking event I attended a while back: I was chatting with someone who seemed a bit reserved, and instead of dominating the conversation, I simply said, “I’d love to hear your thoughts on that.”
That one sentence completely shifted the dynamic.
Their face lit up, and suddenly, they were eager to share their perspective.
By the end of our conversation, they told me how refreshing it was to talk to someone who actually cared about what they had to say.
It’s such a simple phrase, but it makes people feel valued and respected—which is exactly how you want to be remembered.
3) “That’s a great question.”
As humans, we’re wired to seek validation.
When someone acknowledges our thoughts in a positive way, it triggers a small dopamine release in the brain, reinforcing that we’re on the right track.
That’s why socially intelligent people often use phrases like “That’s a great question;” it instantly makes the other person feel valued and encourages them to continue engaging in the conversation.
Even if you don’t have an immediate answer, this phrase buys you a moment to gather your thoughts while making the other person feel good about their input.
4) “I completely understand how you feel.”
Few things create a stronger connection than feeling understood.
When someone expresses an opinion, frustration, or concern, socially intelligent people don’t just nod along—they acknowledge it with empathy.
Saying “I completely understand how you feel” reassures the other person that their emotions are valid.
It builds trust and makes them more comfortable opening up to you.
Of course, the key is sincerity.
People can sense when words are empty, so only use this phrase when you genuinely mean it.
When done right, it can turn a simple conversation into a meaningful connection.
5) “I appreciate you sharing that with me.”
Opening up—especially to someone you’ve just met—takes a bit of courage.
That’s why I always make a point to acknowledge it when someone shares something personal, even if it’s just a small detail about their life or experiences.
Saying “I appreciate you sharing that with me” does two things: It shows gratitude and reinforces a sense of trust.
I’ve noticed that when I use this phrase, people feel more comfortable continuing the conversation, and often, they open up even more.
It’s a simple way to show that you respect what they’re saying and that you’re not just listening—you actually care.
6) “I don’t know, but I’d love to find out.”
Most people think that admitting you don’t know something makes you look unprepared or uninformed but, in reality, it does the opposite—it makes you seem more confident and approachable.
Socially intelligent people aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I’d love to find out.”
Instead of pretending to have all the answers, they show curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Surprisingly, this often makes conversations more engaging.
People respect honesty, and when you openly admit you’re interested in discovering something new, it invites deeper discussion and collaboration.
7) “That reminds me of something you said earlier.”
Nothing makes someone feel more heard than realizing you actually remember what they said.
Socially intelligent people use phrases like “That reminds me of something you said earlier” to show they’re actively listening and paying attention.
It’s a small but powerful way to make the other person feel valued.
I’ve seen this phrase completely change the energy of a conversation.
When people realize you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak, but actually engaging with what they’re saying, they instantly feel a stronger connection—and that’s the kind of impression that lasts.
8) “It was really great talking with you.”
First impressions don’t just happen at the start of a conversation—they’re also shaped by how you end it.
Saying “It was really great talking with you” leaves things on a positive note and reinforces that you genuinely enjoyed the interaction.
It makes people feel appreciated and increases the chances they’ll remember you in a good light.
Small details, like this, matter more than most people realize.
The way you close a conversation can be just as impactful as the way you begin it.
Why the right words make all the difference
Hopefully, if you’ve read this far, you’ve noticed that the most socially intelligent people don’t rely on charm or cleverness to make a great first impression.
They simply know how to make others feel seen, heard, and valued.
Because at the end of the day, people don’t remember every detail of a conversation—but they do remember how you made them feel.
A few thoughtful words can turn a brief interaction into something meaningful.
When you make people feel good from the very first moment, you’re not just making an impression—you’re building real connections.
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