10 Phrases to Say “Tell Me More”
In any conversation, showing genuine interest is the key to building rapport and keeping the discussion engaging. Phrases like “Tell me more” or “Go on” signal to the speaker that you value their input and want them to continue elaborating. Mastering these 10 phrases to say “tell me more” will help you sound enthusiastic, supportive, and fluent when encouraging deeper discussion.
We’ve organized these phrases based on the level of formality and energy.
Enthusiastic and Casual Prompts 😄
Use these phrases with friends, colleagues, or in informal settings to show high excitement and energy for the topic.
1. Go on! This is a short, friendly, and direct prompt to encourage the speaker to continue their narrative or explanation.
- Meaning: Please continue speaking; I am listening.
- Example: “I just found out about this incredible new way to save money…” — “Go on! I need to hear this.”
2. What happened next? This is perfect for encouraging the continuation of a story, narrative, or chronological sequence of events.
- Meaning: Asking for the next part of the story or sequence.
- Example: “I opened the letter, and inside was a huge check.” — “What happened next?“
3. Don’t stop there. This implies the speaker was about to stop, and you are strongly urging them to keep sharing the exciting details.
- Meaning: A strong request to continue the story because it is interesting.
- Example: “I thought the meeting was over, but then the CEO walked in…” — “Don’t stop there!“
4. I’d love to hear more about that. This is a warm, polite, and slightly personal way to show that you are not just interested in the facts, but in the speaker’s perspective as well.
- Meaning: A sincere expression of interest in the topic.
- Example: “I’ve been learning to code on the weekends.” — “I’d love to hear more about that. How did you start?”
5. Say more about that. A simple, direct instruction that immediately prompts elaboration. It is casual and common in friendly discussions.
- Meaning: Please expand or elaborate on your previous statement.
- Example: “I think our biggest challenge is internal communication.” — “Say more about that. What problems are you seeing?”
Formal and Thoughtful Invitations 🧐
Use these phrases in professional meetings, interviews, or when asking for clarification on a complex topic.
6. Could you elaborate on that point? Elaborate means to provide more detail. This is the most formal and professional way to ask for deeper explanation.
- Meaning: Requesting further, more detailed explanation of a specific idea.
- Example: “We need to update our security protocols.” — “Could you elaborate on that point? Which protocols exactly?”
7. Could you walk me through that process? To walk someone through means to explain a step-by-step procedure. This is specific to processes, plans, or technical explanations.
- Meaning: Asking for a step-by-step explanation of a sequence or procedure.
- Example: “We can resolve the error using a special patch.” — “Could you walk me through that process?“
8. What are your thoughts on that? While not directly asking for continuation, this encourages the speaker to share their opinion, which naturally extends the conversation.
- Meaning: Inviting the speaker to share their personal opinion or analysis.
- Example: “The market reacted negatively to the announcement.” — “What are your thoughts on that?“
9. What led you to that conclusion? This is a thoughtful, analytical question that asks for the reasoning or evidence supporting the speaker’s claim.
- Meaning: Asking for the evidence or reasoning behind the speaker’s statement.
- Example: “I believe we should invest in the new software immediately.” — “What led you to that conclusion?“
10. What do you mean by that? This is used when the statement is vague, complex, or potentially controversial, and you need clear, factual clarification.
- Meaning: Requesting precise clarification of a definition or statement.
- Example: “Our strategy is to leverage synergies across the board.” — “What do you mean by that? Can you give me an example?”
Quick Tips for Encouraging Speakers
- Match the Phrase to the Context: Use “Go on!” with friends and “Could you elaborate?” in professional settings.
- Maintain Eye Contact: When using these 10 phrases to say “tell me more,” pair them with open body language and eye contact to prove your sincerity.
- Use Enthusiasm: A phrase like “I’d love to hear more about that” is much more effective when said with genuine excitement in your voice.
Which phrase is the most formal way to ask for a step-by-step explanation?
