He told me vs he said to me.

The words TELL and SAY or, in past simple, TOLD and SAID have a similar meaning; however, different intention and content.
For example, TOLD is used to inform and to be imperative, when SAID is more general, and is used to express something. That is why SAID is used for direct speech.
Here are some examples of that:

He told me he will be there at 8 p.m. – informative
He said, “How may I help you?” – direct speech, fact
She told me not to help her. – imperative
She said to me, ” I love you!” – direct speech, fact
 
Here is another rule to remember:
 
said/say + something
told/tell + somebody something
 
You say something
You tell somebody something
 
Megan said that she was sleepy.
Megan told me not to wake her up.
Ann said she wanted to stay at the party.
Ann told me she had to be at work by 8 am.
Mike said: “I love you.”

Mike told Jenny that he loved her.
 
As you can see, TOLD is usually followed with a personal object or name (me, her, him, Jenny), but SAID does not need a personal object.
 
If you want to use SAID with a personal object instead of TOLD, you must add TO SOMEONE (said + to someone):
 
He said to me that he was sleepy.
Ann said to him that she wanted to go home.
Mike said to me that he loved me. 
 
Remember!!!!
 
She told to me that she was sleepy – INCORRECT    She told me that she was sleepy – CORRECT 
He told that he likes juice – INCORRECT        He said that he likes juice – CORRECT
Ann said Jack to go away – INCORRECT       Ann told Jack to go away – CORRECT
Ann said Jack that she was sleepy – INCORRECT      Ann told Jack that she was sleepy – CORRECT

10 Phrases for Agreeing

1. Exactly.

2. Absolutely.

3. That's so true.

4. That's for sure.

5. I agree 100%.

6. I couldn't agree with you more.

7. That's exactly what I think/That's exactly how I feel.

8. Tell me about it!/You're telling me!

9. I'll say!

10.I suppose so.

(use this phrase for weak agreement - you agree, but reluctantly)

Note: Avoid the common error of saying "I'm agree" - the correct phrase is "I agree" or "I'm in agreement" - the second one is more formal.

5 Ways to say someone is correct

1. That's right.

2. That's spot on.

3. You've hit the nail on the head./. You've nailed it.

4. I suppose so.

(use this when you agree, but you are not completely convinced)

5. I'm afraid you're right.

(use this in response to bad news, to say the bad news is correct)

10 Ways to Encourage Someone (10 façons d'encourager quelqu'un)

* Voir traductions sur la procahine page.

1. Keep up the good work!

2. That was a nice try. (say this after someone made a good effort but failed)

3.That's a real improvement.

4. You're on the right track.

5. You've almost got it.

6. You're doing great.

7. Don't give up!/Hang in there!

8. You can do it!

9. Give it your best shot. (best shot = best try, best effort).

10. Nice job! / You did great! (after the person has done something good)