Master Native-Like Reactions: Ditch “hmm” for Drastic Improvement! 🎯

Advanced Level | September 1, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Have you ever noticed how often you say “hmm” in English? For many learners, it becomes a default reaction. The problem is, it doesn’t sound natural—and sometimes it makes you seem unsure or disengaged. Native speakers use a variety of short, natural responses that keep the flow of conversation going. If you want to sound more fluent and confident, it’s time to replace “hmm” with something better.

Today, we’ll look at how to master native-like reactions and make your English conversations sound smoother and more professional.

Why “Hmm” Hurts Your Flow

Saying “hmm” is harmless in your native language, but in English it often comes across as hesitation. In meetings, it can make colleagues think you’re unsure. In casual chats, it can stop the rhythm of conversation. To sound more confident, you need to develop a set of native-like reactions that sound natural and engaging.

Better Options for Everyday Chats

Instead of “hmm,” try simple fillers that show you’re listening:

“Right.” (shows agreement)
“I see.” (signals understanding)
“Got it.” (acknowledges quickly)
“Exactly.” (strong agreement)
“Interesting.” (keeps curiosity alive)

These short words make you sound engaged and natural.

Example Situation:
You’re chatting with a friend at a café. They tell you about a movie they just watched. Instead of saying “hmm,” you nod and say, “Interesting.” This shows curiosity and keeps the casual conversation flowing.

Professional Reactions for Work

In business settings, you want to sound clear and confident. Replace “hmm” with:

“That makes sense.”
“I understand your point.”
“Let’s consider that.”
“Good question.”
“I’ll look into it.”

These expressions make you sound professional and responsive without hesitation.

Example Situation:
You’re on a video call with a colleague who shares new data. Instead of saying “hmm,” you respond with, “That makes sense.” This shows you understood and keeps the work conversation moving smoothly.

Reactions That Build Connection

Conversations aren’t just about words—they’re about connection. Try reactions that encourage the other person:

“That’s great!”
“Really?”
“Wow, tell me more.”
“No way!” (casual enthusiasm)
“That must have been tough.” (shows empathy)

These phrases help build stronger relationships by showing emotion and interest.

Example Situation:
A friend tells you they finally finished a difficult project. Instead of just saying “hmm,” you smile and say, “That must have been tough.” This shows empathy and strengthens your connection.

Vocabulary List

Hesitation (noun) — A pause before speaking, showing uncertainty.
Example: His hesitation made the client doubt his answer.
Engaged (adjective) — Involved and interested in something.
Example: She stayed engaged during the entire discussion.
Responsive (adjective) — Reacting quickly and positively.
Example: The manager was responsive to the team’s concerns.
Acknowledges (verb) — To recognize or show you heard something.
Example: He nodded to acknowledge her point.
Professional (adjective) — Suitable for business or work settings.
Example: Her professional response impressed the client.
Empathy (noun) — The ability to understand and share someone’s feelings.
Example: Showing empathy builds stronger connections.
Fluent (adjective) — Able to speak a language smoothly and naturally.
Example: He sounded fluent after practicing every day.
Curiosity (noun) — A strong desire to know or learn something.
Example: Her curiosity about the project made her ask good questions.
Natural (adjective) — Sounding easy and authentic, not forced.
Example: His natural tone made people comfortable.
Confidence (noun) — A belief in your ability to succeed.
Example: Speaking without hesitation showed her confidence.

5 Questions About the Article

Why can saying “hmm” be a problem in English conversations?
What are two better options for everyday chats instead of “hmm”?
Which reaction phrases are more professional for meetings?
How do connection-building reactions help in conversations?
What is one benefit of sounding fluent and confident?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

How often do you catch yourself saying “hmm” in English?
Which new reaction phrase will you try first?
How do you think your coworkers will respond when you use these phrases?
Can you share a time when hesitation made you sound less confident?
Why do you think short, natural reactions are important in professional settings?

📢 Want more tips like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here to join us!

Want to finally Master English but don’t have the time? Mastering English for Busy Professionals is the course for you! Check it out now!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips