15 Ways to Acknowledge a Speaker (e.g., “Mhm,” “Right”)
Active listening isn’t just about staying quiet—it’s about showing the speaker you’re engaged. In English, we use small words, sounds, and phrases to signal understanding, encourage someone to keep talking, or show empathy. These 15 ways to acknowledge a speaker help you sound polite, present, and fluent in conversations, meetings, or casual chats—without interrupting the flow.
Common Ways to Say ‘I’m Listening’
Casual & Conversational
- Mhm. A soft, agreeable sound that shows you’re following along. “I was so nervous during the presentation…” — “Mhm.”
- Yeah. Informal and versatile—used to agree or encourage. “And then I missed the bus…” — “Yeah?”
- Right. Shows agreement or understanding—common in British and American English. “So the meeting’s at 3?” — “Right.”
- Okay. Neutral acknowledgment that you’ve heard and processed. “I’ll send the file by noon.” — “Okay.”
- Got it. Confirms comprehension—slightly more active than “okay.” “The client wants blue, not green.” — “Got it.”
Encouraging the Speaker to Continue
- Go on. A gentle prompt to keep talking—polite and interested. “I haven’t told anyone this, but…” — “Go on.”
- I see. Shows understanding and invites more details. “It’s been a tough week.” — “I see… what happened?”
- And then…? Expresses curiosity and encourages storytelling. “So I opened the door…” — “And then…?”
- Uh-huh. A relaxed, informal sound of agreement or attention (often with a nod). “I tried three different recipes…” — “Uh-huh.”
Empathetic & Supportive
- That makes sense. Validates the speaker’s point of view. “I just needed a break.” — “That makes sense.”
- I hear you. Modern, empathetic phrase meaning “I understand how you feel.” “I’m just so overwhelmed.” — “I hear you.”
- Wow. Expresses genuine reaction—can show surprise, admiration, or concern. “I ran my first marathon!” — “Wow! That’s amazing.”
Professional & Polite
- I understand. Clear, respectful, and appropriate in formal settings. “The deadline has moved to Friday.” — “I understand.”
- Thank you for sharing that. Appreciative and kind—great in meetings or sensitive conversations. “I’ve been struggling with sleep.” — “Thank you for sharing that.”
Real-Life Dialogues
Friend: I think I’m going to quit my job.
You: Really? Go on.
Friend: It’s just so draining…
You: Mhm. I hear you.
Friend: And my boss never listens.
You: That makes sense—you’ve talked about this for months.
Colleague: The client wants all changes by tomorrow.
You: Got it. I understand.
Colleague: I know it’s tight.
You: Thank you for sharing that—I’ll prioritize it now.
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Casual conversation with a friend | Mhm / Uh-huh / Yeah | Natural, relaxed, and shows you’re tuned in. |
| Encouraging someone to open up | Go on. / And then…? | Invites deeper sharing without pressure. |
| Responding with empathy | I hear you. / That makes sense. | Validates feelings and builds trust. |
| Work or formal setting | I understand. / Thank you for sharing that. | Professional, respectful, and appreciative. |
Practice Tip
In your next conversation, try using two types of acknowledgments: one sound (“Mhm”) and one phrase (“That makes sense”). You’ll sound more engaged and fluent instantly!
Why This Matters
- Using these 15 ways to acknowledge a speaker shows active listening—key for strong relationships and effective communication.
- Native speakers use these small phrases constantly to keep conversations flowing smoothly.
- Mastering them helps you sound natural, kind, and present—even when you’re not saying much.
Listening is more than silence—it’s participation. Try using one of these 15 ways to acknowledge a speaker in your next chat, and watch how the other person opens up. Happy learning! 😊
