I used to struggle a lot with meeting new people. Whether it was networking events, casual meet-ups, or even a friend introducing me to someone new, I always found myself stumbling over my words or feeling like I was coming across as awkward.

I wanted to make a good impression, but I just couldn’t figure out how to break the ice or keep a conversation flowing naturally.

And I know I’m not alone. A lot of introverts like me have trouble meeting new people; in fact, when asked about it in one survey, nearly 50% admitted, “Beats me, I have trouble meeting people.” Sound like you?

It’s a challenge so many of us face, but it doesn’t have to be.

Over time, I learned that it wasn’t about being the most charismatic person in the room—it was about knowing what to say and how to say it. Just a few simple phrases can make all the difference when it comes to leaving a lasting impression and making a genuine connection with someone new.

Today, I’m sharing five of these phrases with you. They’ve helped me turn strangers into friends, build stronger connections, and feel way more confident meeting new people.

They just might give you that extra edge, too.

Let’s dive in.

1) [The Person’s Name]

Okay, okay—I know this isn’t exactly a “phrase,” but hear me out. It’s one of the most powerful tools you can use when meeting someone new.

How often have you been introduced to someone and forgotten their name instantly? It’s more common than you think, and it’s a big mistake.

Remembering and using a person’s name (without overdoing it) can have a huge impact on how you’re perceived and how easily you connect with someone.

This is something I picked up from the legendary bookHow to Win Friends and Influence People.

As author Dale Carnegie wrote, “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” When you use someone’s name in conversation, it shows that you value them and are genuinely interested.

It’s such a simple habit, but it instantly makes people feel seen and heard.

So next time you’re meeting someone new, focus on remembering their name and sprinkling it into the conversation—it could be the difference between a forgettable chat and making a lasting impression.

2) “What do you do for fun?”

When meeting someone new, how many times have you heard (or asked) the same tired question: “What do you do?” It’s such a standard icebreaker that most people expect it. But that’s exactly why flipping the script can work in your favor.

Try asking, “What do you do for fun?” instead. It might take people aback at first, but it’s an invitation to talk about something they’re passionate about.

And trust me, people love talking about what lights them up—whether it’s a hobby, a weekend activity, or a passion project. For some, it might actually be their work, but for many, it opens up a side of them they don’t often get to share in a first conversation.

I remember asking this once at a networking event, and it led to a conversation about a guy’s obsession with photography. It wasn’t just a quick exchange—it was a deep dive into how he got into it, his favorite types of photos to take, and his dream of traveling the world with his camera.

That wouldn’t have happened if I’d gone with the standard, “So, what do you do?”

It’s a small change that can lead to more meaningful and memorable conversations—and it just might be the key to making a stronger connection.

3) “Oh, tell me more about that…”

This simple phrase can work wonders in a conversation. People naturally enjoy talking about themselves, and sometimes they just need a little nudge to keep sharing.

By saying, “Oh, tell me more about that,” you’re showing genuine curiosity and encouraging them to open up further.

It’s a great way to deepen a conversation and move beyond surface-level chit-chat. Let’s say someone mentions that they just got back from a trip. Instead of just saying, “Oh, cool,” or moving on to the next topic, ask them to tell you more. You’ll often find that there’s a fascinating story, experience, or emotion just waiting to come out.

I’ve found this phrase particularly useful when meeting new people who are a bit reserved. It makes them feel valued, and the conversation quickly shifts to a more engaging and authentic level.

Just remember to truly listen to what they say—nobody likes a “fake listener.”

4)”Just to make sure I understand correctly…”

This phrase is pure gold when it comes to building rapport with someone new.

It shows that you’re actively listening and that you care about getting their message right. By saying, “Just to make sure I understand correctly…,” you’re not only clarifying what they’ve said, but you’re also making the other person feel valued and heard.

It’s especially useful when someone is talking about something complex or personal. Imagine someone’s sharing a challenging situation at work or a personal story. When you take a moment to reflect back and confirm you’ve understood, it shows empathy and genuine interest.

It also helps prevent any miscommunication, which can quickly lead to awkward moments.

For example, if someone mentions a new project they’re working on, you might respond, “Just to make sure I understand correctly, you’re saying that this project is a totally new direction for your company, right?” It’s a subtle but effective way to keep the conversation flowing smoothly and build trust.

5) “You must have felt… / That must feel…”

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about empathy.

One of the deepest desires we have is to feel understood, especially when we’re sharing our experiences or emotions with someone new.

That’s where this phrase comes in: saying “You must have felt…” or “That must feel…” is a great way to show that you’re truly listening and trying to connect with their experience on an emotional level.

For example, if someone is sharing a stressful experience at work, you might say, “That must feel overwhelming.” Or if they talk about a recent success, “You must have felt really proud.”

The key here is to be genuine—people can easily tell when you’re just saying something to be polite versus actually empathizing with what they’re sharing.

As author David W. Augsburger beautifully puts it, “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.”

By acknowledging how someone might feel, you’re giving them the gift of feeling understood, which is one of the fastest ways to build a meaningful connection.

The bottom line

And there you have it—five simple yet powerful phrases that can make meeting new people a whole lot easier and more meaningful.

Next time you find yourself in a room full of strangers, try these out. You might just find that conversations flow better, connections form quicker, and those first impressions become lasting ones.

Happy connecting!

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