Here are 15 phrases that make you emotionally intelligent by constantly and genuinely incorporating them in your interactions with people.
We humans interact daily in the family, social situations, and workplaces.
Knowing how best to put our words is more important than what is being said.
The best intentions conveyed with the wrong words will lose their effect and may even elicit the opposite expectation.
When you care less about how you say the things you say, you hurt where you meant to please, and make people see you in an unintended light.
When this happens so often, people attach crude behaviours to your personality.
You might lose out on important collaborations or friendships because you project yourself as emotionally daft.
In this post, we have distilled 15 phrases that make you emotionally intelligent when you use them as often as possible and appropriately.
An Overview of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your emotion, those of others and manage them to the best of the situation.
It is a vital skill to possess in both personal and professional relationships.
Individuals with high emotional intelligence are able to empathize with others, adjust their communication style accordingly, and respond to difficult situations in an informed and thoughtful manner.
In order to develop emotional intelligence, one must first be aware of their own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around them.
This self-knowledge leads to improved self-regulation, which allows individuals to manage their emotions and reactions effectively.
Empathy and social skills are also important components of emotional intelligence and require active listening and genuine concern for others.
Research suggests that emotional intelligence is just as important as intellectual intelligence when it comes to career success and personal happiness.
Here is a dedicated article on emotional intelligence.
15 phrases that make you Emotionally Intelligent
One of the best ways to improve emotional intelligence is to learn how to communicate effectively.
Emotionally intelligent people use certain phrases that enable them to connect and engage with others more empathetically.
These phrases are powerful tools that can help build trust, avoid and resolve conflicts, and enhance your relationships with others.
1. “I Understand How You Feel”
In the course of our daily interaction with people in society, they share their feelings with us expecting a reaction.
How we react to these situations tells a lot about how emotionally intelligent we are.
When someone shares their feelings with you, the best way to show empathy is to acknowledge their emotions.
Empathy is the easiest and best way to connect with others on an emotional level.
By saying “I understand how you feel,” you validate their feelings and help them feel heard and understood.
Related: Causes of Low Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the Factors
This phrase helps to create a safe space for them to open up more and share more of their emotions.
However, you shouldn’t stop by understanding people.
How you say it and your body language matter a lot. If you say you understand someone while fumbling with your system or paying less attention, they might feel you are only playing to the gallery.
Feeling understood and heard is much more than lip service. Your entire self should embody that including your body language.
While you say you understand the point of view of a person, you should look them in the eyes and assure them you do so.
2. “That’s a Good Idea”
The phrase “That’s a good idea” is one of the phrases that make you emotionally intelligent.
It demonstrates emotional intelligence because it effectively conveys support, validation, and encouragement to the person expressing their thoughts or opinions.
By using this phrase consistently, you act emotionally intelligent and demonstrate your ability to recognize and acknowledge the value of others’ ideas, even if they may have differing perspectives.
When someone shares their idea or suggestion, responding with “That’s a good idea” shows that you are actively listening and appreciating their contribution.
Related: Emotional Awareness: The Proactive Way To Regulate Your Emotions
It creates a positive and inclusive environment where individuals feel heard and respected, fostering a sense of psychological safety.
Moreover, this phrase encourages open dialogue and collaboration by affirming the value of diverse perspectives.
Additionally, emotionally intelligent people understand the importance of uplifting others and building positive relationships.
By using this phrase genuinely and sincerely, you create a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
However, it should not be used when the idea is obviously not intelligent. You don’t want to say “That’s a good idea” when it is obviously not.
3. “Thank You”
“Thank you” is among the list of phrases that make you emotionally intelligent.
Expressing gratitude for someone’s assistance is a powerful way to strengthen a relationship.
The phrase “Thank you” demonstrates gratitude, appreciation, and respect towards others.
When used sincerely, it acknowledges the actions or kindness of another person, recognizing their effort and contribution.
Emotionally intelligent individuals understand the importance of acknowledging and valuing the impact that others have on their lives.
By saying “Thank you,” you cultivate positive relationships, promote a sense of connection, and promote a supportive environment.
This phrase also reflects self-awareness and empathy, as it acknowledges the emotions and intentions behind someone’s actions, enhancing emotional connections and overall emotional intelligence.
4. “I’m Sorry”
“I am sorry” as one of the phrases that make you emotionally intelligent is a powerful tool that reflects accountability, empathy, and the willingness to repair and restore trust.
When you say “I am sorry,” you take responsibility for your actions, acknowledging any harm, inconvenience, or disappointment you may have caused others.
By so doing, you recognize the impact of your behavior and take steps to express remorse and make amends, thus valuing the feelings and well-being of those affected.
Related: The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And The Brain
Using this phrase sincerely and genuinely mimics emotional intelligence in that situation and before long, it sticks and becomes a part of you.
“I am sorry” also reflects self-awareness and humility by showing that you are capable of recognizing your mistakes, learning from them, and striving to improve yourself.
By saying “I am sorry”, you create a safe space for open communication, trust, and vulnerability, fostering stronger and healthier relationships.
5. “Can You Please Explain?”
The phrase “Can you please explain?” reflects emotional intelligence as it indicates active listening and a genuine desire to understand others.
By using this phrase in a conversation, you show an openness to different perspectives, and your willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
While context matters, you signal that you value the thoughts and opinions of others and seek clarity and deeper comprehension when you employ the phrase.
Related: History Of Emotional Intelligence, And Frequently Asked Questions
This phrase also promotes an environment of respect, where individuals feel heard, validated, and encouraged to share their ideas.
“Can you explain” promotes effective communication by allowing the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
Moreover, using this phrase reflects empathy and emotional awareness.
It acknowledges that everyone has unique perspectives and experiences, and by seeking a further explanation, emotionally intelligent individuals show genuine interest in understanding those perspectives.
6. “Let’s Try Another Approach”
I hardly hear people use this phrase, but it is a very potent phrase that ushers in a new perspective to situations.
Using the phrase “Let’s try another approach” gives you the posture of emotional intelligence because it demonstrates adaptability, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore alternative solutions.
If you are trying to be emotionally intelligent, you should understand that not all strategies or approaches will yield the desired outcome, and you recognize the importance of flexibility and innovation.
By suggesting trying another approach, you exhibit a growth mindset and the ability to think outside the box.
It shows you are not rigid or fixed in your thinking, but rather open to new ideas and possibilities.
Related; Emotional Persuasion: Using Emotional Power For Persuasion
This mindset encourages collaboration and invites others to contribute their perspectives and insights, promoting a sense of shared ownership and creativity.
Furthermore, “Let’s try another approach”, as one of the phrases that make you emotionally intelligent, shows respect for diverse viewpoints and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
It acknowledges that there may be different paths to success and encourages experimentation and learning from failure.
Emotionally intelligent you, recognize that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for growth and development, both individually and as a team.
7. “How Can I Help?”
Mostly, I hear people use this phrase absent-mindedly. More of a phrase used routinely than with sincerity and concern.
But it can be a powerful phrase when used appropriately to exemplify emotional intelligence through its display of compassion, encouragement, and sincere willingness to aid those in need.
When you ask, “How can I help?” you show unselfishness, a genuine willingness to lend a hand, offer support and make a positive impact on someone’s situation.
Though over-usage has made the phrase sound common because it’s used more as a fashion statement, it still retains its genuine meaning when used appropriately.
Related: Self-Management Skills Definition And Examples
By using this phrase, emotionally intelligent individuals actively listen to others’ needs and concerns, showing a genuine interest in understanding how they can be of assistance.
It reflects their ability to recognize and validate the emotions and challenges faced by others, creating a safe and supportive space for open communication.
Moreover, asking “How can I help?” displays humility and a willingness to put others’ needs before your own.
8. “I appreciate You”
The phrase “I appreciate you” is an emotional intelligence statement that expresses gratitude, recognition, and value for others.
Most people find this phrase ridiculous because it sounds more like what a woman will tell a man or vice versa, but it can actually go the extra mile in convincing someone they are actually appreciated.
Saying “I appreciate you,” conveys a genuine acknowledgment and recognition of the worth and impact of another person.
Also, using this phrase reflects empathy and emotional awareness.
It acknowledges the emotional impact and significance of someone’s presence or actions, fostering a sense of connection and validation.
Saying this phrase to a person who feels they are not needed can spark positive feelings that accompany self-esteem and create a positive atmosphere that encourages ongoing positive interactions.
Additionally, expressing appreciation promotes positive relationships and strengthens bonds.
It communicates to others that their efforts are seen, valued, and important.
By using this phrase, emotionally intelligent individuals create an environment of trust, support, and gratitude, which encourages continued positive interactions and fosters a sense of belonging.
9. “What Can I Learn from This?”
The phrase “What can I learn from this?” exemplifies openness and desire to add knowledge, which is an attitude of emotionally intelligent people.
It showcases a growth mindset, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace life’s challenges and setbacks as opportunities for personal growth and development.
When you ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” you exhibit the capability of deriving valuable insights from your experiences, whether they are positive or negative.
By adopting this phrase, you portray curiosity and actively engage in self-reflection and seek to understand the deeper meaning and implications of your circumstances.
Related: How To Develop Emotional Intelligence Training For Your Team
You embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, recognizing that even in difficult situations, there are valuable insights to be gained.
Furthermore, using this phrase promotes resilience and adaptability.
It acknowledges that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process, and by seeking lessons from these experiences, you can bounce back stronger and more prepared for future challenges.
Additionally, the phrase “What can I learn from this?” promotes self-accountability and growth.
It encourages you to take ownership of your actions and experiences, empowering you to make positive changes and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
10. “That Must Be Difficult.”
The phrase “That must be difficult” is used by emotionally intelligent people to show empathy, understanding, and validation towards others’ challenges and experiences.
When you say, “That must be difficult,” you acknowledge and empathize with the emotional weight of a situation or struggle that someone is going through.
It shows that you are actively listening and genuinely trying to understand the impact and complexity of someone’s circumstances.
Moreover, using this phrase promotes a supportive and compassionate environment, creating an avenue for open communication and allows individuals to feel heard and understood.
11. “I Trust You”
The phrase “I Trust You” is a powerful statement that can impact one’s emotional intelligence.
This phrase means that you believe in someone’s ability to make the right choices and decisions.
Trusting someone shows a strong sense of empathy and emotional awareness, allowing you to understand the intentions of others and create genuine connections based on mutual respect.
It also highlights courage and vulnerability, which are essential traits for building strong and reliable relationships.
When you trust someone, you embrace a level of emotional maturity that comes from knowing that not everyone is perfect and that people make mistakes.
Trust promotes forgiveness, empathy, and understanding, which are results of deeper sense of emotional intelligence.
By using this phrase, you are showing respect for someone’s abilities, judgment, and character, which will help build a strong foundation for your relationship.
Generally, “I Trust You” is an affirmation that acknowledges and celebrates the emotional intelligence of both parties.
Related: The Psychology of Emotions: How Emotions Shape Thoughts and Behaviours
12. “Can you Tell Me More?”
The phrase “Can you tell me more?” is an emotionally intelligent phrase because it demonstrates empathy and a desire to understand more deeply.
When you ask this question, you are showing the other person that you are interested in what they have to say and you are willing to listen without judgment.
It also shows that you are open-minded and willing to consider other perspectives.
Also, by using this phrase, you validate the other person’s feelings and experiences, letting them know that their thoughts and emotions are important to you.
It also encourages transparent communication and fosters stronger rapport with others, both of which are vital elements of emotional intelligence.
Consider incorporating this statement in your conversation and make it a part of you.
13. “Let’s Work Together”
The phrase “Let’s work together” is one of the phrases that make you emotionally intelligent because it communicates a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.
It acknowledges that everyone has something to contribute and encourages open communication and cooperation.
When used in a team setting, it helps to build trust and create a positive environment where people feel valued and safe to share their thoughts and ideas.
This phrase also promotes empathy and understanding since it acknowledges that everyone has different perspectives, experiences, and skills, and that these differences can be leveraged for the benefit of the group.
The “Let’s work together” phrase supports a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, leading to better outcomes and greater satisfaction for all involved.
Also Read: 10 Powerful Emotions Used in Persuasion
14. “I’m Here for You.”
The phrase “I’m here for you” is a phrase of reassurance that emotionally intelligent people know to make people feel at home.
Saying this phrase reinforces your support and empathy and shows that you are willing to listen, offer help, and provide comfort.
It highlights the importance of being present and available for others, which is a key component of emotional intelligence.
This phrase also helps to build trust and strengthen relationships because it creates an open and safe space for individuals to share their emotions and feelings.
The “I’m here for you” phrase is a powerful statement that demonstrates compassion and emotional awareness, which are cornerstones of emotional intelligence.
15. “Let’s Take a Break”
The phrase “Let’s take a break” is an emotionally intelligent phrase that demonstrates an awareness of the importance of self-care and emotional regulation.
Rather than pushing through a difficult situation or conversation, taking a break can be an effective way to manage emotions and potentially diffuse tension.
By suggesting a break, the speaker is acknowledging that emotions are running high and that it is important to take time to cool down and gather their thoughts before continuing.
This phrase also shows empathy towards the other person because it recognizes that both parties may need a break to process their thoughts and emotions.
Using this phrase can ultimately lead to healthier communication and strengthen relationships by demonstrating a willingness to prioritize emotional well-being.
Why These Emotional Intelligence Phrases Are Important
The explained phrases above are important in your everyday interaction with others to improve understanding and smooth collaboration.
Here are the importance and more reasons why you should learn to incorporate them in your interaction:
- They Show Empathy: These phrases show empathy which is important in building relationships. Empathy allows us to connect with others on an emotional level and understand their perspectives. When we show empathy, we are able to create a safe space where people feel heard and valued, which builds trust and fosters better communication.
- They Encourage Collaboration: These phrases also encourage collaboration by opening up discussions and creating a non-judgmental environment. When we say phrases like “Let’s work together to find a solution” or “I value your input”, we are acknowledging that everyone has something to contribute and that we can achieve more by working together. Collaboration leads to better outcomes and promotes a sense of teamwork.
- The Phrases Build Trust: By using phrases that make us emotionally intelligent, we are building trust with others. Trust is essential in building strong relationships and creating a positive work environment. When we communicate openly and authentically, we show others that we value their opinions and are committed to working towards a common goal. This encourages others to trust us and fosters a sense of loyalty.
- They Encourage Learning: These phrases also encourage learning by creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. When we use phrases like “What can we learn from this?” or “Let’s take a step back and evaluate our approach”, we are encouraging others to reflect on their experiences and learn from their mistakes. Learning promotes personal growth and creates an environment where individuals and organizations can continuously improve.
- Promotes Positive Reinforcement and Growth: Finally, these phrases promote positive reinforcement and growth. When we use phrases like “Great job!”, “I’m proud of you”, or “Thank you for your hard work”, we are reinforcing positive behavior and encouraging people to take ownership of their actions. This promotes a growth mindset and encourages individuals to continuously strive for excellence. By promoting positive reinforcement, we are creating a positive work environment and fostering a culture of excellence.
Conclusion
The above 15 phrases that make you emotionally intelligent are just a few in the pool of phrases that can make you emotionally smart.
These phrases might come naturally to some people while being strange to others.
Emotional intelligence is a key component of personal and professional success that depend on effective communication.
The 15 phrases listed in this article suggest that emotionally intelligent individuals prioritize empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace.
These phrases can help you become more emotionally intelligent by encouraging you to take ownership of your feelings, show compassion towards others, and communicate with clarity and respect.
By incorporating these phrases into your daily interactions, you can create a positive impact on your relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
References:
- 50 Practical Examples of High Emotional Intelligence
- Useful Emotionally Intelligent Phrases
- 15 Signs You Are Emotionally Intelligent
- 7 phrases smart people can’t do without
- 80 Most Inspiring Emotional Intelligence Quotes
Adolescent and Adult Psychologist
Pyo Merez (PsyD) is a certified adolescent and adult psychologist who has been on the frontline of helping adolescents and adults with mental health. An expert in cognitive and developmental psychology - social relationships, cultural contexts, and individual differences. He is also a speaker and panelist on issues bordering on budding young people.
