People who are easy to talk to tend to move through life more easily than those who seem distant or guarded.

Their approachability leads to friendships and alliances at work, which in turn lead to social connections and a broader network of opportunities. When work relationships are friendly, competition becomes collaboration.

There’s no great barrier to being approachable. It’s a simple matter of using language that makes others feel supported and safe to contribute without fear of judgment. That means showing genuine interest and respect. When your words consistently do that, people trust you and feel comfortable sharing their ideas.

Here are 10 phrases approachable people use to make others feel at ease instantly.

This phrase signals openness and curiosity. It tells the other person that you’re listening and that what they’re saying matters. Bonus: It does so without prodding or pressuring the speaker to get to the point.