We know we should appreciate people more often but do we know how to acknowledge them and why is it even so important? In a conversation when you acknowledge people, they feel heard and valued. They become more open-minded even if you are opposing their beliefs. It’s because, through your acknowledgment of their ideas, they know that you have been listening and you understand where they are coming from. If you want to do business with people or maintain a good relationship with them, without learning how to acknowledge people, you will get nowhere. Acknowledging is easy. Just paraphrase what they said and follow up with a relevant question or your opinion. Paraphrasing proves that you understand them since you express their ideas using your own words. During negotiations or discussions even if you disagree with people, you can make them hear you out by disagreeing politely or by partially disagreeing with them. A strong disagreement shows that you are unwilling to talk. This makes the negotiation take a negative turn and go downhill. So, disagree politely and follow up with relevant questions to show that you are interested in learning more about them. What you do is often reciprocated. When you listen, they listen. When you show interest in people, they will show interest in you. When you acknowledge them, they will acknowledge your work, ideas, and suggestions. Acknowledge people. Have more discussions and not arguments.