My Phrase Bank
Useful phrases I am making my own. Add 5–7 a week. Use each one 3 times in real speech before ticking it.
How to add a phrase: write the phrase, what it means or when to use it, and my own example sentence.
Starter phrases
Buying time to think
| Phrase | When to use | My example | Used 3× |
|---|---|---|---|
| That's a good question, let me think. | When I need a moment | ☐ | |
| Let me put it this way... | Before explaining simply | ☐ | |
| How can I say this... | Searching for a word | ☐ | |
| What I mean is... | To explain again more clearly | ☐ |
Listening and following up (presence)
| Phrase | When to use | My example | Used 3× |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tell me more about that. | To show interest | ☐ | |
| What happened next? | During their story | ☐ | |
| So what you're saying is... | To check I understood | ☐ | |
| How did you feel about that? | To go deeper | ☐ | |
| I hadn't thought of it that way. | When they teach me something | ☐ |
Making people feel valued
| Phrase | When to use | My example | Used 3× |
|---|---|---|---|
| I really liked the way you... | Specific compliment | ☐ | |
| That must have taken a lot of effort. | Seeing their work | ☐ | |
| What's been exciting for you lately? | Better than "how's work?" | ☐ | |
| Thanks for explaining that so clearly. | After they help me | ☐ |
Agreeing and disagreeing politely
| Phrase | When to use | My example | Used 3× |
|---|---|---|---|
| That's a fair point. | Agreeing | ☐ | |
| I see what you mean, but... | Gently disagreeing | ☐ | |
| I'm not sure I agree. Can I share another view? | Disagreeing with respect | ☐ | |
| You're right, I missed that. | Admitting a mistake | ☐ |
Starting and ending conversations
| Phrase | When to use | My example | Used 3× |
|---|---|---|---|
| How do you know [host]? | At an event | ☐ | |
| It was really nice talking with you. | Ending warmly | ☐ | |
| Let's stay in touch. | Ending with a connection | ☐ |
My phrases (add below each week)
| Week | Phrase | Meaning / when to use | My example | Used 3× |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ |
Count: ___ phrases learned