When we talk with others, it’s important to react to what the other person says. This shows you are listening and are interested in what the other person has to say. It can also encourage the other person to say more by adding follow up questions.
However, if you give bland answers and interjections, you will lose the trust and respect of the other individual.
To show interest or surprise: Really? / Oh yeah? / Is that right?
To react to something positive: That’s nice/good. / How wonderful/interesting! / Wow
To react to something negative: That’s terrible/too bad / How awful/terrible! / I’m sorry for your loss.
Remember, I went over this with Anna Nguyen of Hanoi, Vietnam on a recent podcast, but wanted to put more emphasis on what to say and how to say it.
Arsenio's ESL Podcast 
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