We’ve all been there—having a conversation where the other person’s responses are limited to “mhm” or “uh-huh.” It can be tricky to navigate these situations, especially if you’re trying to keep the conversation engaging or extract more information.
I remember a time when I was presenting ideas to a team and kept receiving these non-committal responses. I needed strategies to keep the discussion active and meaningful.
Here are 30 creative and effective ways to respond when someone says “mhm,” helping you keep conversations flowing and engaging, no matter the context.
The Importance of Effective Responses
Responding effectively to non-committal replies like “mhm” is crucial in maintaining an engaging and productive conversation. It ensures that communication remains dynamic and that you can gauge the other person’s interest or understanding. Whether in personal or professional settings, having a few go-to responses can help you navigate these moments with ease, making interactions smoother and more meaningful.
1. “Can you tell me more about that?”
Encourages the other person to elaborate and provides more context. I’ve used this when someone’s “mhm” indicates they might have more to share.
When to use: When you want more details or clarification.
When not to use: If the person seems disinterested or if more context is not needed.
Example:
“Mhm. Can you tell me more about that idea?”
2. “Is there something specific you’re thinking?”
This helps pinpoint what’s on their mind. I use it to dig deeper when “mhm” seems like a placeholder.
When to use: When you sense there’s more they want to say.
When not to use: If they seem genuinely content with the conversation as it is.
Example:
“Mhm. Is there something specific you’re thinking about?”
3. “I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.”
Invites them to share their opinion, which can lead to a more engaging discussion. I use this to encourage open dialogue.
When to use: When you want to stimulate conversation and gather opinions.
When not to use: If the context is not conducive to more discussion.
Example:
“Mhm. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this approach.”
4. “Do you agree with what we discussed?”
Checks for agreement or disagreement, which can clarify their stance. I find this useful to ensure alignment.
When to use: When you need to confirm their opinion or stance.
When not to use: If you already know their position or if they seem indifferent.
Example:
“Mhm. Do you agree with what we discussed about the project?”
5. “What’s your take on it?”
Seeks their personal perspective and can lead to more detailed feedback. I use this to get deeper insights.
When to use: When looking for a detailed perspective or feedback.
When not to use: If the conversation is not about seeking opinions.
Example:
“Mhm. What’s your take on the new policy changes?”
6. “How do you feel about this?”
Explores their emotional reaction or feelings. I use it to understand their emotional response to a topic.
When to use: When you want to gauge their emotional response.
When not to use: If you’re looking for factual information rather than feelings.
Example:
“Mhm. How do you feel about the proposed changes?”
7. “Is there something you’d like to add?”
Encourages them to contribute more to the conversation. I use this to make sure they’re not holding back valuable input.
When to use: When you think they might have more to say.
When not to use: If they seem satisfied with the conversation as it is.
Example:
“Mhm. Is there something you’d like to add to this discussion?”
8. “What’s your opinion on this matter?”
Asks directly for their opinion, which can clarify their stance. I find it useful for gathering specific feedback.
When to use: When you need clear opinions or feedback.
When not to use: If their opinion is already known or if they seem uninterested.
Example:
“Mhm. What’s your opinion on the new marketing strategy?”
9. “Let’s dive a bit deeper into this topic.”
Encourages a more detailed exploration of the subject. I use this to move beyond surface-level responses.
When to use: When you want to explore a topic in more depth.
When not to use: If the person seems uninterested in a deeper discussion.
Example:
“Mhm. Let’s dive a bit deeper into this topic to explore more possibilities.”
10. “Can you clarify what you mean by that?”
Requests more detailed explanation or clarification. I use this when the “mhm” indicates they might be thinking more.
When to use: When you need more explanation or detail.
When not to use: If you already understand their point or if it’s unnecessary.
Example:
“Mhm. Can you clarify what you mean by that statement?”
11. “Do you have any concerns about this?”
Checks for any issues or reservations they might have. I use this to ensure all potential concerns are addressed.
When to use: When you want to identify and address concerns.
When not to use: If you’re certain they have no concerns.
Example:
“Mhm. Do you have any concerns about the proposed timeline?”
12. “What are your thoughts on the next steps?”
Focuses on planning and future actions. I use this to get their input on moving forward.
When to use: When discussing next steps or future actions.
When not to use: If the conversation is not about planning or future actions.
Example:
“Mhm. What are your thoughts on the next steps for this project?”
13. “How do you see this unfolding?”
Asks for their perspective on the progression of a situation. I use this to understand their view on future developments.
When to use: When you want to understand their vision for the outcome.
When not to use: If the progression is already clear or decided.
Example:
“Mhm. How do you see this unfolding over the next few months?”
14. “Is there something that’s unclear?”
Offers them a chance to express if they need more information. I use this to clear up any potential confusion.
When to use: When you suspect they might be confused or unsure.
When not to use: If they seem to understand everything clearly.
Example:
“Mhm. Is there something that’s unclear about the process?”
15. “What’s your take on the current situation?”
Seeks their perspective on the present state of affairs. I use this to gauge their view on the ongoing situation.
When to use: When discussing the current state of a project or situation.
When not to use: If the discussion is not about the present situation.
Example:
“Mhm. What’s your take on the current situation with the team?”
16. “What are your expectations moving forward?”
Focuses on their future expectations and goals. I use this to align on future outcomes and objectives.
When to use: When setting expectations for future actions or outcomes.
When not to use: If expectations are already established.
Example:
“Mhm. What are your expectations moving forward with the new initiative?”
17. “Could you expand on that a bit?”
Requests more information or detail about their response. I use this to delve deeper into their thoughts.
When to use: When you need more detail or context.
When not to use: If you already have enough information.
Example:
“Mhm. Could you expand on that a bit more so I understand better?”
18. “How do you think this will impact us?”
Asks for their view on the potential effects. I use this to understand their perspective on impact.
When to use: When discussing the implications or impact of something.
When not to use: If the impact is already known or irrelevant.
Example:
“Mhm. How do you think this change will impact our workflow?”
19. “What are your thoughts on the proposed idea?”
Directly inquires about their opinion on a specific idea. I use this to get specific feedback on proposals.
When to use: When discussing a specific idea or proposal.
When not to use: If the discussion is not about an idea or proposal.
Example:
“Mhm. What are your thoughts on the proposed idea for the new campaign?”
20. “What would you suggest as the next step?”
Seeks their recommendation on how to proceed. I use this to get their input on future actions.
When to use: When deciding on the next steps or actions.
When not to use: If the next steps are already decided.
Example:
“Mhm. What would you suggest as the next step for this project?”
21. “Do you have any suggestions for improvement?”
Requests feedback on how to enhance something. I use this to seek constructive criticism and improvement ideas.
When to use: When looking for ways to improve or refine.
When not to use: If there’s no need for further improvement or suggestions.
Example:
“Mhm. Do you have any suggestions for improvement in the current plan?”
22. “What’s your perspective on the challenges we might face?”
Seeks their view on potential difficulties. I use this to identify and address possible challenges.
When to use: When discussing potential challenges or obstacles.
When not to use: If challenges are already identified and addressed.
Example:
“Mhm. What’s your perspective on the challenges we might face with this approach?”
23. “How do you feel about the proposed timeline?”
Asks for their opinion on the schedule. I use this to ensure the timeline works for everyone involved.
When to use: When discussing deadlines or schedules.
When not to use: If the timeline is already agreed upon.
Example:
“Mhm. How do you feel about the proposed timeline for the project?”
24. “What do you think is the best way to move forward?”
Seeks their opinion on the best course of action. I use this to get input on strategic decisions.
When to use: When deciding on the best approach or strategy.
When not to use: If the course of action is already determined.
Example:
“Mhm. What do you think is the best way to move forward with the marketing plan?”
25. “Is there anything you’d like to discuss further?”
Gives them an opportunity to bring up additional topics. I use this to make sure all their concerns are addressed.
When to use: When you want to ensure all relevant topics are covered.
When not to use: If you’re concluding the discussion.
Example:
“Mhm. Is there anything you’d like to discuss further before we wrap up?”
26. “How do you see this impacting our goals?”
Focuses on the alignment with overall objectives. I use this to connect the conversation to broader goals.
When to use: When relating a topic to long-term goals.
When not to use: If the discussion isn’t about goal alignment.
Example:
“Mhm. How do you see this impacting our goals for the quarter?”
27. “What are your thoughts on the proposed changes?”
Asks for their opinion on modifications. I use this to get feedback on proposed adjustments.
When to use: When discussing changes or modifications.
When not to use: If there are no changes or modifications being discussed.
Example:
“Mhm. What are your thoughts on the proposed changes to the policy?”
28. “Do you have any reservations about this?”
Inquires about any doubts or concerns. I use this to uncover any potential issues.
When to use: When looking for potential reservations or concerns.
When not to use: If you know they have no concerns.
Example:
“Mhm. Do you have any reservations about the new strategy?”
29. “What do you think about the approach we’re taking?”
Seeks their opinion on the current strategy or method. I use this to ensure alignment on the approach.
When to use: When discussing the strategy or method being used.
When not to use: If the approach is already settled and agreed upon.
Example:
“Mhm. What do you think about the approach we’re taking for the upcoming project?”
30. “How would you prioritize this in our current projects?”
Asks them to rank or prioritize the topic. I use this to understand how they view its importance.
When to use: When determining the priority of tasks or projects.
When not to use: If priorities are already established.
Example:
“Mhm. How would you prioritize this in our current projects?”
Top 10 Editor Choice Responses
- “Can you tell me more about that?”
Best for when you need further details. - “Is there something specific you’re thinking?”
Use this to dig deeper into their thoughts. - “I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.”
Great for stimulating conversation. - “Do you agree with what we discussed?”
Useful for confirming alignment. - “What’s your take on it?”
Ideal for gathering specific feedback. - “How do you feel about this?”
Perfect for understanding emotional responses. - “Is there something you’d like to add?”
Encourages additional input. - “What’s your opinion on this matter?”
Directly seeks their opinion. - “Let’s dive a bit deeper into this topic.”
Good for exploring subjects in more detail. - “How do you see this unfolding?”
Useful for understanding their vision for the future.
