Remember when your mother told you: “It’s not what you say, but how do you say that?”
Well, it turns out, he was right.
Socially smart people know that very well.
They have mastered the art of navigating in awkward situations, and most of it go down to their words.
Here’s what I mean.
Consider a situation when someone has just shared a piece of bad news.
You can react to a simple “I’m sorry”. Or you can say: “I can’t even start to understand how tough it is for you.” The two expressions express sympathy, but the latter shows a deeper level of understanding and compassion.
Everything concerns our daily conversations. We use small phrases.
Interesting? I bet you are you.
So if you wonder, “How can I handle awkward situations better?” I have good news for you.
In this article, we will discuss seven such expressions that socially smart people use the potential to turn into real communication opportunities.
These are not only empty words, but powerful tools to establish meaningful relationships that reflect your authenticity and compassion, help improve your personal brand.
We are not memorable. It’s about to understand the mood behind them and to include in your interactions.
So tuck and let’s dive.
1) “Tell me more”
Let’s start a simple.
Have you ever been in the conversation where the other person divides something but you just don’t know how to answer? It is a common scenario that can feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable.
Enter our first magical phrase. “Tell me more about it.”
This little expression is a hint for many reasons. First, it shows the other person that you are really interested in what they say.
Second, it allows them to be further expressed, which can help them understand and be appreciated.
The use of this phrase also goes for a while: it’s time to work out what is said and shaped a thoughtful response. It’s a favorable situation.
Socially smart people don’t always speak. Often they are those who listen to.
And this phrase is a great tool just to show that your willingness to listen and get involved.
2) “I understand how you feel”
Now let me tell you about a time that I slipped on the strength of this phrase.
I was talking to a partner who truly stressed the project deadline.
He was worried and visibly upset, and I could see him needed someone to recognize his feelings.
Instead of offering or attempting to make him happy, I just said: “I understand how you feel. It is a lot of pressure. “
It was immediate relief in his eyes. It was as if I had raised some of his cargo just recognizing his feelings.
Here is what I learned from that experience.
When someone goes hard time, sometimes they don’t need advice. They don’t need you to fix their problem.
What do you need someone to understand their feelings and authenticate them?
That is “I understand how you feel.”
It can be an awkward situation into real communication for a moment, showing your empathetic side and strengthen your personal credibility.
3) “I appreciate your honesty”
Here is the script for you.
You are in a meeting and someone gives you feedback that is hard to hear.
Perhaps they criticized your submission or disagree with your offer. It bites and you feel the temperature growing in your cheeks.
Awkward, right? So how do you behave without aggravating or harm the situation?
Tell this. “I appreciate your honesty.”
Now I won’t pretend to be easy. It takes courage to leave our pride aside and respond with grace when we attacked. But that’s what it deserves to make.
When you accept the other person’s honesty, it shows that you appreciate their opinion and you are open to feedback, even when swallowing is difficult.
It helps maintain a positive atmosphere and promote mutual respect.
Plus, let’s be real here. No one is perfect. We all have a place to improve, and one of the best ways to learn and grow constructive reaction.
The next time you find yourself in such a situation, take a deep breath, swallow your pride and say: “I appreciate your honesty.”
4) “It looks really tough”
Sometimes people share their problems not because they are looking for a solution, but because they need to unload their emotional load.
In such situations, it can be tempting to jump in advice or try to find a silver cover. But here is the hunting. It’s not always necessary.
Instead, try to say. “It looks really tough.”
This phrase is simple but powerful. It accepts the other person’s struggle without minimizing their feelings or rushing to fix things.
We are talking about the sympathy and emotional support of their situation, which is often more valuable than any advice you can give.
When someone trusts you about a difficult situation, remember this phrase.
It can not solve their problem, but it will show them that they are not alone that you will support them there.
5) “Let’s find a solution together”
Now let’s talk about the conflict. It’s part of life, whether we like it or not. And how do we regulate the conflict significantly affect our relations?
When disagreements arise, it is natural to become a defensive or avoidance.
Do you know that the conflict when treated properly can actually strengthen relations?
Here is where our next phrase comes. “Let’s find a solution together.”
This phrase does two things. First, it shows your commitment to resolve the issue.
Second, it emphasizes the cooperation than competition. After all, you are in the same team.
By solving the attention of the problem, you can turn the potential dividing situation into cooperation and growth opportunities for the solution and the individual efforts of collective actions.
The next time you face a conflict, remind yourself for a moment to yourself (and the other person) that you are together.
6) “I am for you”
Life can be tough. And in those moments in difficulties and uncertainty, knowing that someone is for us can make all the differences in the world.
That’s why our next phrase “I am for you, the more powerful.
This may seem simple announcement, but its impact can be deep. It offers a feeling of comfort and assurance, reminding a person that they are not alone in their struggle.
But it’s more than just words. It’s a promise.
It is an obligation to be such as to what the ear should be ears that he is listening to the shoulder to cry or just be present.
If someone opens you about their struggle, let them know they don’t have to face alone. Just three small words. “I am for you.”
7) “Thank you for sharing with me”
Let’s pack in a phrase that covers the essence of social intelligence. “Thank you for sharing with me.”
This phrase conveys respect and gratitude to man to trust you with their thoughts and feelings.
It acknowledges their vulnerability and honors the confidence placed in you.
It is a brave recognition that is necessary to open and exchange personal experiences or feelings. And expressing your gratitude, you will strengthen that their openness is evaluated and evaluated.
Whether someone shares a personal victory, painful memory, or even the secular details from their day, remember to realize their division.
A simple “thank you for sharing with me” can a long way to build trust and promote deep ties.
Wrapper
If you have nodded with these phrases, you have probably met (or you will meet) your fair share of awkward situations.
But here’s a silver lining. The art of navigating these moments can be learned and filtered.
These seven expressions are more than just words.
These are tools to promote meaningful connections, compassion and increase your social intelligence.
They reflect the understanding and respect of the emotional landscape of others.
Start by consciously involving them in your daily conversations.
Pay attention to the impact that has in your interactions and relationships.
Pay attention to how it changes the dynamics in difficult situations.
Remember, it’s not about having a perfect answer for any situation.
It’s about being legally demonstrated by recognizing the feelings involved and promotes open communication.
Take that step today. By doing so, you will not only increase your personal brand, but you will enrich your relationship with understanding and a deeper feeling of communication.
As he said, Laos Izets said. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Each conscious conversation takes you to one step closer to become an emotionally smart communicator.