30 Gentle and impactful empathy statements and responses for customer service agents

30 Gentle and impactful empathy statements and responses for customer service agents

In customer service, empathy is not just a tool; it's a cornerstone for making clients feel valued and heard. Empathy statements help you connect with customers by showing you truly grasp their issues. They're useful and essential for calming tensions, showing understanding, and offering tailored assistance.

A smiling female customer service representative talking through headphones (L), a businessman shopping online, is reporting a problem with his credit card (R)
Empathy statements show you understand and care about a customer's problem. Photo: Westend61, Praetorianphoto (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

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Empathy statements are vital in customer service; they are the catalysts that foster positive interactions and deepen rapport with clients. Mastering these statements is critical; it's a skill that can make or break a customer interaction. In today's competitive market, the ability to use them skillfully can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Gentle and impactful empathy statements

Empathy phrases show you understand and care about a customer's problem. They express your readiness to help and your concern for them. Instead of saying "I'm sorry", there are other ways to show empathy. Here is how empathy statements without saying sorry can be achieved:

  • Acknowledge the issue: Acknowledge and validate the customer's concern or problem. For example, "I understand this has been frustrating for you. Thank you for letting us know about this issue."
  • Use positive language: You can use positive language. For example, "We appreciate your understanding as we resolve this, and I'm confident we can find a solution together."
  • Express concern: Show genuine concern for the customer's experience or feelings. For example, "I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this. Let's see how we can help, or I understand how important this is to you."
  • Offer support: Extend assistance and options to resolve the issue. For instance, "Let me help you with that, or I'll be here to support you until we get this sorted out."
  • Empathise with their perspective: Demonstrate understanding of the customer's point of view. For example, "I see why this is frustrating for you. It must be disappointing to encounter this issue."
  • Show appreciation: Express gratitude for the customer's feedback or patience during the interaction. For instance, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, or I appreciate your understanding while we address this."

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Empathy statements for customer service

A friendly woman in call centre service is talking with customers through a headset.
Acknowledging and validating the customer's concern or problem when they call is important. Photo: Svetikd
Source: Getty Images

Customer service representatives can use empathy phrases to demonstrate genuine concern for customers' experiences and emotions. Here are examples of empathy statements you can use as a customer service agent.

1. I'm sorry you had to face this

When you say this statement, you show genuine sympathy for the customer's experience. You acknowledge their inconvenience and make them feel heard and valued, which can help defuse their frustration and build a connection.

2. Give me a minute while I figure this out for you

The above statement reassures the customer that their issue is being addressed. It sets the expectation that you are working on a solution, which can reduce their anxiety and shows you are committed to resolving their problem.

3. We/I will help you resolve this issue

Using this statement promises action and support. It assures the customer that they are not alone in dealing with their problem and that you are dedicated to finding a solution, which can provide comfort and trust.

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4. Is there any other problem I can help you with today, big or small?

Asking your troubled client this beautiful question shows thoroughness and a willingness to assist beyond the initial issue. It demonstrates that you care about the customer's overall experience and are eager to meet all their needs.

5. If I understand correctly

This clarifying statement shows that you actively listen and want to ensure you accurately grasp the customer's concern. It invites the customer to confirm or correct your understanding, which helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures effective communication.

6. I can see what the problem is

Using these statements validates the customer's issue and shows that you understand their concern. It also reassures the customer that their problem is recognised and can be addressed, providing relief and confidence in the resolution process.

7. I appreciate your patience

A young woman calls centre support and service customer
Acknowledging the customer's wait time and thanking them helps mitigate their frustration. Photo: Me 3645 Studio
Source: Getty Images

This means acknowledging the customer's wait time and thanking them for it. This expression of gratitude can help mitigate their frustration and show that you respect their time and understanding.

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8. I would have asked the same question as you just did

Using this statement emphasises the customer's curiosity or confusion. It makes them feel validated and reassures them that their question is logical and reasonable, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust.

9. Please hold on for a moment while I work on this for you

This statement tells the customer you are actively solving their problem. It shows dedication to finding a solution and helps manage their expectations while you investigate the issues.

10. You are right

Acknowledging that the customer is correct shows that you value their perspective. It validates their feelings and helps build trust. It lets customers know their concerns are being heard and taken seriously.

11. I wish I could make it better

This expresses genuine regret and a desire to improve the situation. It shows empathy and compassion, letting the customer know you care about their experience and wish you had more power to resolve the issue.

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12. I can understand how that might not be easy

Acknowledging the customer's difficulty shows empathy and understanding. It makes the customer feel seen and understood, which can help de-escalate frustration and create a more positive interaction.

13. What I am currently doing to help you

Explaining the steps you are taking to address the customer's issue provides transparency. It reassures the customer that action is being taken and helps them understand the process, reducing uncertainty and anxiety.

14. If I skip anything important, feel free to stop me at any time

This invites the customer to be an active participant in the conversation. It shows that you value their input and are open to feedback, making them feel more in control and involved in resolving the issue.

15. Have we covered all that you wanted to discuss today?

This statement promotes ongoing customer empathy during collaborative problem-solving, providing a strong conclusion that reassures customers of your company's commitment to comprehensive support.

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Sample of empathy statements for call centre

Call centre workers
Empathy statements in call centres profoundly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. Photo: Image Source
Source: Getty Images

Empathy statements in call centres profoundly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. Representatives can build trust and rapport swiftly by acknowledging and understanding the customer's issues. Here are some empathetic responses you can use in a call centre.

1. I'm genuinely sorry to hear about your experience

Apologising shows that you genuinely care about the customer's situation. It helps them feel acknowledged and respected, soothing their frustration and opening a more positive dialogue.

2. I know how confusing that must have been

Acknowledging the confusion lets the customer know that you understand their struggle. It shows empathy and helps build a connection. This recognition can make the customer feel more comfortable and supported.

3. I understand this has been inconvenient for you and how annoying that must be

Validating the customer's feelings of inconvenience and annoyance shows that you recognise the problem's impact on their lives. It also demonstrates empathy and understanding, which can help calm their frustration and make them feel heard.

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4. I appreciate your patience in this matter

Thanking the customer for their patience shows you recognise their effort to stay calm and cooperative. It can help reinforce positive behaviour and build goodwill.

5. I understand how frustrating that must have been

Acknowledging the customer's frustration shows empathy and understanding. It helps the customer feel that their emotions are valid. This can create a sense of connection and trust.

6. I would feel the same way if that happened to me

By putting yourself in the customer's shoes, you show that you truly understand their feelings. This helps to build rapport and trust. It can make the customer feel more comfortable and supported.

7. I'm sorry you are having this problem

Apologising for the problem shows that you care about the customer's experience. It acknowledges their frustration and opens the door for a solution.

8. Thanks for bringing that to my attention; it must be better on our behalf

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Thanking the customer for their feedback shows that you value their input. This honesty can help to build trust and improve the relationship.

9. I would be asking precisely the same questions as you are

Acknowledging that the customer's questions are valid shows you understand their concerns. This helps build rapport and trust, making the customer feel more comfortable and respected.

10. We appreciate your honest feedback

Thanking the customer for their feedback shows that you value their input. It helps to create a sense of partnership and collaboration, and this appreciation statement can make the customer feel more involved and respected.

11. I realise how upsetting this must be for you

Smiling portrait of a young customer care agent
Thanking the customer for bringing the issue to your attention shows that you value their input. Photo: Xavier Lorenzo
Source: Getty Images

Acknowledging the customer's upset feelings shows empathy and understanding. It helps validate their emotions and build connections, making customers feel more comfortable and supported.

12. I appreciate you raising this with me/us, as it's unacceptable

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Appreciating the person may seem like a small gesture, yet its significance lies in acknowledging and valuing the feedback you have received and acknowledging that you were in the wrong.

13. That would frustrate me, too

You show empathy and understanding by acknowledging that you would feel the same way. This helps build trust and connection, making the customer feel more comfortable and supported.

14. I realise how complicated we've made things for you

Acknowledging the situation's complexity shows that you understand the customer's frustration. It demonstrates empathy and responsibility. This recognition can help to soothe the customer's frustration and build trust.

15. I'm sure there is something else you'd rather be doing, so thanks for being patient with me

Acknowledging that the customer's time is valuable shows respect and appreciation. Thanking them for their patience helps to reinforce positive behaviour and demonstrates accountability.

What are 5 examples of empathy?

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Empathy can be demonstrated in various ways, including:

  • Actively listening
  • Validating the customer's feelings
  • Putting yourself in the other person's shoes
  • Offering support
  • Expressing concern about the issue at hand

What are good empathy statements?

Good empathy statements show genuine understanding and concern for the customer's feelings. They acknowledge the customer's issue or frustration without placing blame.

Which statement is an example of empathy?

What is the best phrase for showing empathy? Empathy statement must show concern. For example, "I understand how frustrating this situation must be for you. It recognises your feelings and tries to connect with your experience."

Mastering empathy statements is about words and cultivating genuine connections and understanding in customer interactions. Businesses can enhance trust, satisfaction, and loyalty by acknowledging and empathising with customers' concerns.

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Authors:
Peris Wamangu avatar

Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter with more than four years of experience as a content writer. Peris joined Yen in 2024. Before that, she worked with Legit's team from 2021 to 2024. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com