7 subtle phrases that make you seem impressive to people when you first meet them

From the Personal Branding Blog

First impressions—they’re a big deal, right?

Such first impressions matter, and the words you choose can leave a lasting impact on the people you meet.

Getting them just right can be a bit of a balancing act—you want to come across as confident and impressive, but without appearing arrogant or insincere.

And guess what? It’s not about grand gestures or flashy statements, rather it’s the subtle phrases you use that make you seem confident, thoughtful, and impressive.

Here are seven phrases that can elevate how others perceive you when you meet them for the first time:

1) “I’ve always admired your work in…”

When it comes to making a strong first impression, a little flattery can go a long way—it’s about showing genuine interest and respect for the person you’re meeting, and making them feel valued and important.

This phrase tells the person that you’ve done your homework, that you’re genuinely interested in them, and—most importantly—that you value their work or contribution.

Imagine being introduced to someone for the first time and they tell you they admire your work.

It feels good, right?

It shows that they’ve taken the time to learn about you and what you do; that pre-execution alone is flattering, respectful, and impressive to the person you’re conversing with.

But, remember, authenticity is key here—Don’t say it if you don’t mean it as people can sniff out insincerity from a mile away.

2) “I recently read a book that made me think of this…”

Sharing a relevant and insightful piece of information can be a real game changer in first meetings—it not only shows your intellectual curiosity but also your ability to connect the dots.

Let me give you an example from my own experience: I once had a meeting with a potential business partner who’s known for his sustainable business practices.

Before the meeting, I read a book about the impact of sustainability on business growth.

So during our conversation, I found the perfect moment to say, “I recently read a book on sustainability and business. It made me think about your approach…” and I then went on to share my thoughts.

The result? Not only was he impressed by my insight, but it also sparked an engaging conversation.

He appreciated that I took the time to understand his values and interests.

Doing this shows that you’re well-read, thoughtful, and able to make meaningful connections with what you learn.

3) “In my experience, the best approach to this would be…”

Demonstrating your depth of knowledge and experience in a particular area can be highly impressive.

An act like this not only shows that you’re knowledgeable but also that you have practical, hands-on experience.

A phrase like or similar to this works wonders in this regard—it subtly communicates your expertise and gives you a platform to share your insights.

For instance, if you’re at a networking event and someone mentions a challenge they’re facing, you could say something like, “In my experience, the best approach to this would be to…” and then provide a solution based on your real-world experience.

Did you know that according to a study published in the Journal of Management Science, people who give advice are perceived as being more competent than those who do not?

The next time you get the chance, share your expertise—it’s a sure-fire way to leave a lasting impression!

4) “Could you tell me more about that?”

Showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying can make you seem impressive as it sends a message that you value their thoughts and are genuinely interested in learning more.

The indicated phrase is a simple yet powerful tool to demonstrate your curiosity and willingness to listen; it invites the other person to share more, turning the conversation into a two-way exchange rather than a one-sided monologue.

But here’s the crucial part: When they’re speaking, actually listen—active listening, if you may.

Pay attention to their words, their tone, their body language, and respond thoughtfully and show them that you’re fully engaged in the conversation.

5) “I have to admit, I’m still learning about…”

There’s a common misconception that admitting you don’t know something can make you seem less impressive, but the reality is that it’s quite the opposite.

Being open about your learning journey shows humility, intellectual curiosity, and a growth mindset—all of which are impressive traits.

Take me for instance: I’m a professional writer, but I often tell people, “I have to admit, I’m still learning about the nuances of writing for different platforms.”

By doing this, I’m showing people that I’m continually striving to improve and grow my skills, which they often find admirable; so, don’t be afraid to share what you’re still learning.

It doesn’t make you seem less competent; it makes you human, relatable, and—yes—impressive.

6) “I really appreciate your perspective on this.”

Acknowledging someone else’s viewpoint can make you seem both open-minded and respectful, two traits that many people find impressive.

When you use this phrase, you’re demonstrating that you value their thoughts and opinions.

This not only makes the other person feel heard and respected but also shows that you’re willing to consider different viewpoints.

Keep in mind, though, that sincerity is key—don’t use this phrase just for the sake of it.

Instead, use it when someone has genuinely offered a perspective that made you think or see things differently.

After all, who doesn’t want to be appreciated for their thoughts and insights?

7) “Thank you, I’ve learned a lot from this conversation.”

Expressing gratitude is one of the most powerful tools in your first impression toolkit.

Saying a phrase like this shows humility, gratitude, and a willingness to learn—all things that people find truly impressive.

Likewise, it also communicates that you value the time and effort the other person has put into the conversation.

It goes beyond a simple “thank you” and shows that you’ve genuinely gained something from the interaction.

So, next time you find yourself wrapping up an initial meeting or conversation, remember to express your gratitude.

It might just be the final touch that seals your impressive first impression.

Ultimately, it’s about authenticity

Leaving a lasting impression isn’t about perfect words or pretending to be someone else—it’s about being genuine.

The phrases mentioned in this article are tools to help you communicate your true self more effectively as people are drawn to sincerity, authenticity, and realness.

So, when meeting someone new, don’t stress over saying the “right” things.

Focus on being authentically you—that’s what leaves the greatest impression!

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