"I'm listening, take your time..."

Giving full attention without interruption, letting people express freely.

"What's that like for you?"

Asking genuine questions to help others share and explore their experience.

"I hear you" / "I see you"

Explicitly letting people know you see them and get the importance of what they're saying.

"So you're saying...did I get that right?"

Saying back what you heard in your own words and checking if you got it right.

"Sounds like you're..."

Tentatively naming feelings, desires, or values they haven't named themselves.

"That makes sense"

Recognizing someone's experience as understandably human given their context.

"I feel that with you"

Sharing in someone's emotional experience — letting it resonate in your body.

"Oh yeah, that's like..."

Actively building on their story with your own ideas and energy, while keeping the focus on them.

"Me too..."

Sharing a similar experience *briefly* so they feel less alone and more connected.

"I'm with you on..."

Naming areas of agreement, shared values, or overlapping goals.

"I'm moved hearing that"

Expressing your own emotional response toward their situation — care, compassion, pride, or even anger.

"You're changing how I see this..."

Letting their perspective or needs shift your view, and letting them know it.

"I see what's good in you"

Specific recognition of someone's strengths, efforts, or positive intentions.

"How can I be of support?"

Offering help in ways that center their needs and autonomy — asking before assuming.

"I've got your back"

Standing with others, being their ally, and speaking out when you see injustice.

"I'm acting with you in mind"

Proactively considering others' wellbeing in your decisions and actions — without waiting to be asked.