What are the “Empathic Words” that bridge the gap in just 3 minutes? -The Power of “Empathic Words” — How to Build Trust in the First 3 Minutes-
■ Why are “empathic words” important?
In a first meeting, both you and the other person are likely feeling somewhat nervous.
If you start talking about business or promoting yourself right away in that situation, it won't resonate with them.
What is important is to “first acknowledge the other person's emotions.”
People who can naturally use empathic words can gain trust even in a short amount of time.
■ The basis of empathy is “standing on the same level”
The first step to empathy is responding to what the other person says with “understanding” rather than “evaluation.”
For example, if the other person is talking about how busy they are at work,
instead of saying “That sounds tough,”
saying “You are really working hard every day, aren't you?”
gives the impression that you “understand” their efforts.
This small phrase is the start of building a relationship of trust.
■ A collection of empathic phrases to keep the conversation flowing
Here, I will introduce “empathic phrases to bridge the gap” that you can use in the first 3 minutes of a meeting.
✅ Phrases to empathize with the other person
“I totally understand that!”
“I have had a similar experience.”
“Many people feel that way, don't they?”
“It's wonderful that you can think that way.”
✅ Phrases to validate the other person
“That is a testament to your hard work.”
“It is truly amazing that you are taking action.”
“That way of thinking is positive and great.”
✅ Phrases to expand the conversation
“By the way, what did you learn from that?”
“What was the trigger for you to think that way?”
“Through that experience, what kind of realizations did you have?”
By adding questions like this, it becomes easier for the other person to feel that you “understand” what they are saying.
■ NG Words: Phrases that close off the other person's feelings
Conversely, there are words that, even if well-intentioned, push trust away.
For example...
“But I think that’s wrong.”
“If it were me, I would do it this way.”
“It’s not that hard, is it?”
These kinds of “negative responses” strip away the other person's sense of security.
In first meetings, it is important to be conscious of “empathy over logic.”
■ Tips for building “trust in 3 minutes”
Observe the other person's facial expressions and tone.
Add words of empathy (Understanding → Validation → Questioning)
Put your own stories on the back burner.
Just by being conscious of these three things, the impression you leave on others will improve significantly.
Especially in online interactions or 1-on-1 settings, picking up on the other person's small reactions is the key to building trust.
■ Summary
Trust is built not by “time,” but by the “quality of words.”
Even in just 3 minutes, with words of empathy, the distance between you and the other person will shrink surprisingly.
Conversations during first meetings are a treasure trove of opportunities.
Make words of empathy your ally and turn your encounters into “connections that lead to the next step.”
🌏 For those who want to polish their cross-cultural communication and first-meeting conversation skills
In the “Business Matching × International Exchange” community operated by LulianAgency Inc.,
we hold monthly online 1-on-1 networking events.
You can practice “empathic conversation techniques” that allow you to talk with peace of mind even when meeting someone for the first time.
👉 Details here
https://note.com/hiraichiro/membership
Phrases That Help You Connect Naturally in First Conversations
■ Why “Empathy” Matters in the First Few Minutes
When meeting someone for the first time, both sides usually feel a bit nervous.
If you start by promoting yourself or talking about business right away, the conversation may feel distant.
The key to trust is acknowledging the other person’s feelings first.
Those who can express empathy naturally are able to build rapport — even in just three minutes.
■ The Core of Empathy: Stand on the Same Level
True empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with everything — it means understanding.
When someone says they’re busy at work, instead of replying,
“That sounds tough,”
try saying,
“You must be working really hard every day.”
This small change shows genuine understanding, not pity — and it immediately builds trust.
■ Go-To Empathic Phrases for Smooth Conversations
✅ To Show Empathy
“I totally understand how you feel.”
“I’ve experienced something similar.”
“Many people can relate to that.”
“That’s such a great perspective.”
✅ To Acknowledge the Person
“That really shows your effort.”
“It’s impressive that you took action.”
“I like the way you think — it’s so positive.”
✅ To Keep the Conversation Flowing
“What did you learn from that experience?”
“What made you feel that way?”
“How did that change your perspective?”
Simple questions like these make the other person feel seen and understood.
■ Avoid Words That Close the Heart
Even well-intentioned phrases can unintentionally distance you from the listener.
Try to avoid:
“But I think that’s wrong.”
“If I were you, I’d do it differently.”
“It’s not that hard, is it?”
These comments may sound judgmental.
Remember: empathy over logic — especially in a first meeting.
■ 3 Steps to Build Trust in 3 Minutes
Observe the other person’s tone and facial expression.
Add empathy through understanding → acknowledgment → gentle question.
Hold back your own story until the other person feels comfortable.
These simple actions can transform a small talk into a meaningful connection — even online or in 1-on-1 meetings.
■ Final Thoughts
Trust isn’t built by time, but by quality of words.
With the right empathic phrases, you can build closeness in just three minutes.
Every first meeting is a chance — not a test.
Use empathy to turn each encounter into a lasting connection.
🌏 Want to Practice Empathetic Communication?
At Lulian Agency, we host monthly Business × International Exchange online meetups,
where you can practice real conversations and learn to connect across cultures — with empathy.
👉 Learn more here:
https://note.com/hiraichiro/membership