10 phrases high-level communicators love to use, according to psychology

Some people just have a way with words. They speak, and others listen. They connect effortlessly, make their points clearly, and leave a lasting impression.

What’s their secret? It’s not just confidence—it’s the words they choose. High-level communicators understand that certain phrases can build trust, encourage collaboration, and make conversations more impactful.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a natural-born speaker to use them. Psychology shows that small shifts in language can change the way people perceive you and respond to you.

Here are 10 phrases that high-level communicators love to use—ones that can help you express yourself more effectively and leave a stronger impression in any conversation.

1) “What I’m hearing is…”

Great communicators don’t just talk—they listen. And more importantly, they make sure the other person knows they’re being heard.

That’s where this simple phrase comes in. Saying “What I’m hearing is…” followed by a summary of the other person’s point shows that you’re actively listening and engaged in the conversation.

Psychologist Carl Rogers, a pioneer in humanistic psychology, once said, “Man’s inability to communicate is a result of his failure to listen effectively.” High-level communicators avoid this mistake by using reflective listening—repeating back what they’ve heard to clarify understanding and build trust.

This approach isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to open up, collaborate, and respect your perspective in return. And that makes for stronger, more productive conversations.

2) “Help me understand…”

One of the biggest mistakes in communication is assuming you already know what the other person means. I learned this the hard way early in my career.

I was working on a project with a colleague, and we kept talking past each other. I thought I understood their concerns, but we kept running into misunderstandings. Frustration was building on both sides. Then, instead of arguing my point, I simply said, “Help me understand what you mean by that.”

Everything changed. My colleague relaxed, explained their perspective more clearly, and I realized I had been missing an important detail. That one phrase turned a frustrating conversation into a productive one.

Psychologist Stephen R. Covey said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” High-level communicators avoid this trap by using phrases like “Help me understand…” to show curiosity instead of jumping to conclusions.

It’s a simple shift, but it can make all the difference in how people respond to you.

3) “I was wrong about that…”

Let’s be real—admitting when you’re wrong is hard. No one likes to feel like they’ve made a mistake, especially in front of others. But high-level communicators know that owning up to mistakes isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of strength.

I used to struggle with this. There were times when I doubled down on a bad idea just because I didn’t want to admit I was wrong.

But the truth is, people respect honesty far more than stubbornness. The first time I said, “You know what? I was wrong about that,” I expected backlash. Instead, I gained more trust and credibility than ever before.

The irony? The more willing you are to admit when you’re wrong, the more people will see you as someone worth listening to.

4) “I appreciate you because…”

Most people don’t hear genuine appreciation as often as they should. Sure, they might get a quick “thanks” here and there, but real, specific appreciation? That’s rare.

I remember the first time a mentor of mine said, “I appreciate you because you always take the time to really think through your ideas before sharing them.” It stuck with me—not just because it felt good, but because it was specific. It made me feel seen in a way that a simple “good job” never could.

Psychologist William James once said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” High-level communicators understand this and go beyond generic compliments. They take the extra step to say why they appreciate someone, making their words more meaningful and impactful.

A little intentional appreciation can go a long way. And when done right, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and motivates people to bring their best selves forward.

5) “I don’t know, but I’ll find out…”

Most people think that sounding smart means always having the right answer. But high-level communicators know the opposite is true—sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is “I don’t know.”

It sounds counterintuitive, but admitting when you don’t have all the answers actually makes you more credible, not less. People respect honesty over empty confidence. And when you follow it up with “but I’ll find out,” you show that you’re proactive, reliable, and willing to learn.

Psychologist Albert Bandura, known for his work on self-efficacy, once said, “People’s beliefs about their abilities have a profound effect on those abilities.” True confidence isn’t pretending to know everything—it’s trusting in your ability to figure things out.

The smartest people aren’t the ones who always have an answer. They’re the ones who keep searching for better ones.

6) “Tell me more about that…”

Too often, conversations stay on the surface. People give short answers, stick to safe topics, and never really get to the heart of what they’re thinking. High-level communicators change that with one simple phrase: “Tell me more about that.”

This phrase does two things—it shows genuine curiosity and encourages deeper discussion. Instead of moving on too quickly or assuming you already understand, you invite the other person to go further. And that’s when you get real insights, stronger connections, and better conversations.

Psychologist Edgar Schein, known for his work on organizational culture, said,“We do not think and talk about what we see; we see what we are able to think and talk about.” In other words, the more we ask, the more we truly understand.

So next time someone shares something interesting—pause. Instead of rushing to respond, simply say, “Tell me more about that.” You’ll be surprised at what you learn.

7) “I see where you’re coming from…”

I used to think that if I disagreed with someone, I had to push back immediately and prove my point. But that approach almost always led to tension instead of understanding. Then I started using a different phrase: “I see where you’re coming from.”

This doesn’t mean I always agree—it just means I’m acknowledging the other person’s perspective before sharing my own. And that small shift makes a huge difference. When people feel heard, they become more open to listening in return.

Psychologist Daniel Kahneman, who studied human decision-making, explained, “A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”

In other words, people cling to their beliefs when they feel attacked, but they’re more likely to reconsider when they feel understood first.

So before jumping into a debate, take a moment. Show that you recognize the other person’s perspective. You’ll have a much better chance of having a real conversation instead of just another argument.

8) “This is hard for me to say, but…”

Let’s be honest—some conversations are just uncomfortable. Whether it’s giving tough feedback, admitting a mistake, or addressing a conflict, difficult conversations can feel like walking through a minefield.

I used to avoid them. I’d sugarcoat my words or dodge the issue entirely. But all that did was create more confusion and frustration down the line. Then I learned a better approach: starting with “This is hard for me to say, but…”

It does two things. First, it signals vulnerability, which makes the other person more likely to listen with empathy rather than defensiveness. Second, it prepares both of you for an honest conversation instead of one filled with avoidance or resentment.

Avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect relationships—it weakens them. Being direct, even when it’s uncomfortable, builds trust and respect.

So if you’ve been holding back on saying something important, try this phrase. It won’t make the conversation easy—but it will make it real. And that’s what truly matters.

9) “You might be right…”

Most people think that being a strong communicator means standing your ground and defending your opinions. But high-level communicators know that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is “You might be right.”

It sounds counterintuitive—why would you admit that the other person could be correct, especially if you don’t fully agree? Because it lowers defensiveness and opens the door for a real conversation instead of a battle of egos.

When people feel heard instead of challenged, they’re more likely to listen to your perspective in return. When you acknowledge that someone else’s viewpoint has merit, you create space for mutual understanding instead of a dead-end argument.

10) “I’d love your perspective on this…”

Early in my career, I felt like I had to prove myself by always having the right answers. I thought asking for input would make me seem inexperienced or unsure. But over time, I realized something surprising—when I started saying “I’d love your perspective on this,” people actually respected me more, not less.

This phrase does two powerful things. First, it shows humility—you’re signaling that you don’t have all the answers and value other people’s insights. Second, it makes the other person feel important, which strengthens trust and collaboration.

So whether you’re making a big decision or just trying to understand something better, don’t be afraid to ask for input. You’ll not only get smarter answers—you’ll build stronger relationships in the process.