10 Phrases to Show Interest
Do you sometimes feel that people lose energy when they talk to you? In English, it is not enough just to listen; you also need to show that you are listening. Using the right expressions to acknowledge what someone says makes the speaker feel heard and valued. Mastering these 10 phrases to show interest will instantly improve your communication skills and make you a much better conversationalist.
Here is a list of ways to show interest, ranging from quick confirmations to detailed follow-up questions.
How to Sound Engaged and Attentive
This list provides 10 phrases to show interest, grouped by the type of response they give.
Quick Affirmations and Confirmations
These short phrases are perfect for quick verbal confirmation that you are still listening and following the story.
1. Really? This is a simple, common word to express mild surprise or confirmation. Use it with a rising intonation in your voice.
- Meaning: You are asking if the previous statement is true.
- Example: “My boss asked me to lead the new project.” — “Really? That’s fantastic news!”
2. I see. Use this phrase to indicate that you understand the information that was just shared. It’s polite and neutral.
- Meaning: You acknowledge and comprehend the point.
- Example: “The train was delayed because of a signal problem.” — “I see. So we need to take a different route.”
3. Tell me more about that. This is an enthusiastic way to ask the speaker to continue their story. It shows you are highly engaged and value the details.
- Meaning: You want the speaker to elaborate.
- Example: “I’ve been working on a revolutionary new app.” — “Wow, that sounds intense. Tell me more about that.“
Emotional Responses and Empathy
Use these phrases to show that you not only understand the facts but also the feelings associated with the story.
4. That’s fascinating! This phrase is excellent for responding to new or complex ideas, hobbies, or information that you find very exciting.
- Meaning: You find the topic intellectually stimulating.
- Example: “The historian argued that the culture existed 1,000 years earlier than we thought.” — “That’s fascinating! How did they prove that?”
5. That sounds difficult/amazing/challenging. Using an adjective that reflects the speaker’s emotional experience shows empathy. Choose the adjective carefully to match the story’s tone.
- Meaning: You recognize the emotional weight of their experience.
- Example: “I had to work 60 hours last week to meet the deadline.” — “That sounds difficult. I hope you get some rest this weekend.”
6. I can only imagine. This phrase expresses strong empathy without demanding more detail. It shows you understand the emotional scope of the situation, especially when responding to bad news or a struggle.
- Meaning: You acknowledge the extreme nature of the experience.
- Example: “Moving my entire family to a new country was stressful.” — “I can only imagine. You must be exhausted.”
Asking Follow-Up Questions
These phrases demonstrate the highest level of interest because you are processing the information and asking for specific next steps or consequences.
7. And then what happened? This classic question is great for keeping a narrative going. It works well with personal stories and anecdotes.
- Meaning: You want the chronological continuation of the story.
- Example: “I finally finished the job interview.” — “And then what happened? Did they call you back?”
8. What was the outcome of that? This phrase is more professional and is used when discussing a process, a project, or a formal situation. You are asking for the result.
- Meaning: You want to know the result or consequence.
- Example: “We had a big meeting to discuss the budget cuts.” — “What was the outcome of that?“
9. How did that change things? Use this to prompt the speaker to reflect on the impact of their event or decision. It shows you are interested in the deeper meaning, not just the action.
- Meaning: You are interested in the impact or effect of the event.
- Example: “We decided to completely redesign the company website.” — “How did that change things for the sales team?”
10. Do you have any plans to follow up? This question shows interest in the future progression of the topic. It is excellent for professional or goal-oriented conversations.
- Meaning: You are asking about future steps.
- Example: “I just finished the first draft of my book.” — “Do you have any plans to follow up with a publisher soon?”
Real-Life Dialogues
See how these 10 phrases to show interest make conversations better.
Scenario 1: Casual Chat with a Friend Friend: I just started learning how to bake bread. It takes hours! You: Really? I never thought it would be so complicated. Friend: Yes, you have to knead the dough for ages. And then I almost burned the first loaf. You: I can only imagine! And then what happened?
Scenario 2: Work Meeting Colleague: The initial tests on the new software failed due to a compatibility issue. You: I see. What was the outcome of that? Colleague: We had to postpone the launch by two weeks. You: That sounds challenging. Do you have any plans to follow up with the engineering team immediately?
Quick Tips for Showing Interest
- Use Body Language: When using these 10 phrases to show interest, make sure your non-verbal communication matches. Maintain eye contact, nod your head, and lean slightly forward.
- Avoid One-Word Answers: Phrases like “Uh-huh” or “Yes” are okay, but they are easily missed. Use the full phrases like “That’s fascinating” or “Tell me more” for maximum impact.
- Don’t Interrupt: Wait until the speaker pauses naturally before you jump in with a phrase like “And then what happened?“
By practicing these 10 phrases to show interest, you will not only understand English conversations better, but you will also participate more actively, making the people you talk to feel engaged and understood.
What kind of conversation (casual or formal) requires you to use “What was the outcome of that?”
