We can use the word to change the subject - Word и Excel - помощь в работе с программами

Imagine this situation: You’re having a great conversation with a person you’ve just met.

You’re talking about a topic that both of you are really interested in, and you’re sharing ideas back and forth.

You’re both asking great questions and responding with enthusiasm, but then suddenly… silence.

This particular conversation topic has come to its natural conclusion.

You’ve said all you have to say on this subject.

Does that mean the entire conversation is over too?

Not at all!

What you need to do now is change the subject.

Changing the topic while still keeping the conversation going is a skill.

That’s why we’re going to practice it today.

In this video, you’ll learn how to change the subject and move on to another topic by using natural-sounding expressions and transition phrases.

You’ll also practice the intonation that native speakers use in order to show that we still want to keep the conversation going, just on another topic.

After all, using the right intonation patterns helps make sure your meaning is clear.

Reasons Why You May Want to Change the Subject

Beyond running out of things to say on one particular topic, there are other reasons you may want to change the subject.

For example, you may find yourself in the middle of a conversation with a group of people at a social event when someone asks you where you’re from.

And the truth is, there have been some recent events from your city, country, or even region of the world that you just don’t feel like talking about.

How do you change the subject to avoid getting into a long discussion that just isn’t appropriate right now?

You may want to change the topic of conversation because it’s a difficult subject, it’s not appropriate for this situation, or it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Or you may feel like the question was too personal or it puts you on the spot and makes you feel like the focus of attention when you really don’t want to be.

Or maybe you’re just not that interested in this particular topic of conversation.

Maybe you notice that other people seem a little bored by it, you have nothing to add, you feel like it’s been going on and on and on for a little bit too long, or you just have something else you’d like to bring up.

These are just a few reasons why you may want to change the subject and move on to another topic of conversation.

Four Strategies for Changing the Subject

Now that you’ve decided you want to introduce a new topic of conversation, let’s talk about four strategies for changing the subject.

As we go through these options, remember that you need to be confident about changing the subject.

Knowing the right expressions and intonation will help you be prepared so that you can smoothly move on to another topic.

1. Change the Subject by Asking a Question

The simplest way to change the subject is to ask the other person a question that is slightly related to the current topic.

By asking a related question, you give them a chance to talk more about the topic that they’re clearly interested in.

They still get to express their opinions and feelings about the general topic, while you get to avoid talking about something that you’re not interested in discussing.

Let’s look at a few examples.

First, let’s talk about avoiding questions that are too personal or sensitive.

For example, when someone asks you about your relationship status, when you’re going to get married, when you’re going to have kids, or going to have more kids, you may not feel like sharing these personal details.

So what do you do instead?

Well, you can tell that the person clearly values relationships, so you can ask them a related question about their family or friends.

For example, if someone asks you if you’re in a relationship, you can ask a question like, “Didn’t your daughter get married recently? How was the wedding?”

If you’re lucky, they’ll start talking enthusiastically about this topic and you’re free from answering an uncomfortable question.

Or maybe you’re talking to someone who’s interested in hearing how much money you’re making at your new job.

You probably don’t want to answer, so you can say something like, “That was one of the reasons I changed jobs. Hey, the last time I saw you, weren’t you looking for a new job? How’s that going?”

After all, they’re probably curious about the details of your new job because of their own interest in finding a new one for themselves.

By turning the conversation back to them, you acknowledge their interest in this particular topic, but hopefully avoid having to answer a question that makes you uncomfortable.

You can also ask a related question if you’re just not that interested in the topic the other person brought up, or you just don’t have much to say.

For example, if someone is obsessed with running but you’re more interested in biking or some other sport, you can ask one of these questions:

How did you get started running?
What’s your training schedule like?
What are some good parks or paths to run in?

This gives them a chance to show off their expertise without going into extreme detail about why running is the best sport ever.

These questions make the subject a little more general and relatable.

You might be able to share details about how you got started with one of your hobbies, or your favorite local parks, or the importance of having a daily routine.

2. Change the Subject by Introducing a New Topic

If you’re not able to come up with a related question, you can change the subject by introducing a new topic.

In order to do this well, you want to acknowledge or recognize what the other person was just talking about and then find a way to move on.

When you change the subject without any sort of transition or connection to what you were just talking about, it can make the other person feel ignored.

To acknowledge the other person’s interest, make a comment about what was just said.

You can say something like:

That’s interesting.
Yeah, I heard about that too.
That seems really popular around here.
That sounds like an intense sport.
That sounds like an intense hobby.
People keep asking me that question.

These short expressions show that you were listening to them, but they don’t encourage more conversation on this particular topic.

Useful Expressions and Transition Phrases for Changing the Subject

Now let’s look at some useful expressions and transition phrases for changing the subject.

After acknowledging the other person’s curiosity or interest, you can bring up a new topic.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common transitions.

As I share these expressions, pay attention to my intonation. You want to use light, friendly intonation that shows you’re interested in the conversation.

You’ll follow these expressions with a new topic.

So…
Speaking of…
Speaking of which…
Talking about…
By the way…
Anyway…
That reminds me…
Oh, before I forget…
I wanted to mention…
Let’s talk about…
We need to discuss…
Oh, I wanted to tell you…
Funny you should mention that…
Hey, we haven’t talked about [this other subject] yet…

These expressions suggest that the conversation reminded you of something related, or something that you don’t want to forget to talk about.

Bring Up a Completely Different Topic of Conversation

If the conversation has suddenly gone silent, you can just go ahead and ask a completely different question.

Lulls, or pauses in conversation, happen when you’ve completely exhausted everything you have to say on a particular topic.

They signal that it’s time to talk about something different.

In this case, you don’t have to relate the new topic to what you were just talking about.

Here are some phrases you can use:

Completely changing the subject…
This has nothing to do with what we were talking about, but…
Not to change the subject, but… (and then go ahead and change the subject).
Changing gears a little bit…
Changing the topic slightly…
Totally unrelated…

Your intonation will show enthusiasm for the new topic, so that the other person feels interested in keeping the conversation going as well.

3. Change the Subject By Creating a Distraction

If asking a related question or introducing another topic hasn’t worked, and the other person wants to keep talking about the uncomfortable or uninteresting subject, then you need another plan.

In this case, you can create a distraction that will get you off-topic.

Then hopefully the other person will forget what you’re discussing and then you can talk about something else.

One way to do this is to give the person a compliment.

You can compliment their enthusiasm for the topic or their detailed explanation. For example:

Wow, you’re so passionate about this topic. I can tell you’ve invested a lot of time in studying it.
Thanks for sharing so many resources about your training program. I learned a lot.

Or you can give them a compliment on their hair, outfit, accessory or personal possession.

Follow the compliment with a question to smoothly change the subject.

Hey, I like your haircut. When did you get it done?
I really love that jacket. Where’d you find it?
What a pretty bracelet. How long have you had it?
Nice phone. Do you usually buy that brand?
You have a nice apartment. Have you lived here for a long time?

Another way to create a distraction is to physically leave.

Apologize and head to the bathroom, get a drink or a snack, or request a song from the DJ.

This can be a really good strategy if you’re enjoying the conversation, but don’t want to keep talking about a certain topic.

If you leave and come back, chances are the conversation will have moved on to a new topic, or you’ll be able to change it to something that’s more interesting to you.

If you’re in a one-on-one conversation, you can bring other people into the conversation.

You can introduce a friend and then mention something that you all have in common.

This is a simple way to move on to another topic while still keeping the conversation friendly.

4. Abruptly Change the Subject

Finally, there are times when you’ll need to abruptly change the subject.

If someone makes a joke that isn’t funny, or says something really inappropriate or offensive, or the silence between topics gets too long, you can use one of these expressions to abruptly change the subject.

Keep in mind that intonation is really important.

Depending on the situation, you may want to be funny or sarcastic, you might want to show annoyance, or you may need to quietly acknowledge that a comment offended someone.

As always, use your best judgment. You’ll handle situations with strangers, acquaintances, friends, colleagues, and coworkers differently.

Here are some expressions for obviously changing the subject.

Because your goal is to completely change the subject and you’re being very clear and obvious about it, it can make the situation flow a little easier.

Moving on!
Anyway! Anyway! Anyway!
OOO-kay.
On THAT note…
On a happier note…
On a sad note…
In other news…
And now for something completely different…

When you say these expressions with the right intonation, native speakers will get your meaning and understand that it’s really time to change the subject.

Your Turn

Let’s review the four strategies I recommend for changing the subject or conversation topic in English:

Change the subject by asking a related question.
Change the subject by introducing a new topic.
Change the subject by creating a distraction
Abruptly change the subject.

Now I’d love to hear from you! Which expressions do you think will be most useful for you?

Do you feel more confident saying them with the right intonation?

What are some other strategies you’ve heard people use to change the subject?

You may not be able to predict what people will say, but you can definitely prepare to handle these common situations confidently.

This article was originally published in September 2016, and was updated in May 2019.

Источник

When learning the English Language, there is a lot more to it than just everyday conversation. At some point, you might face application forms or the terms and conditions for a business or service that you require. These documents often include many phrases and terms that you’re unlikely to encounter elsewhere, and “subject to change” is an excellent example of this.

The phrase “subject to change” commonly occurs in contractual language to note items in an agreement that might change. Although the phrase is sometimes used in conversation, it is most often found in documents or applications to state that the prices, dates, or policies are not set in stone.

Keep reading to understand better the context of “subject to change,” some common mistakes made with the phrase, like “subjected to change,” and some alternative words like “fixed” to use in its place.

What the Phrase “Subject to Change” Means

The phrase “subject to change” is composed of a phrasal verb, “subject to,” and a noun, “change.” A phrasal verb is a phrase that acts as a verb made up of a regular verb and either a preposition, an adverb, or both. The phrasal verb “subject to” means to bring under the control of something else (source).

In British English, they define “subject to” as an adjective, but it still has the same basic meaning of conditional or dependent upon something (source).

“Change” in a sentence can be a verb or a singular noun, but in the phrase “subject to change,” the word functions as a noun, meaning the act of becoming different.

To be “subject to change,” then, is to be contingent on some new set of circumstances. It can also imply there is a high degree of likelihood that change or some form of alteration will occur (source).

When using “subject to” in a sentence, “subject to” must always come before the noun in the same way that it does in the phrase “subject to change.”

Some examples of “subject to” in a sentence:

This medication leaves you subject to drowsiness.
Timmy is subject to time outs when he misbehaves.
Long-term isolation leaves you subject to insanity.
Some dog breeds are subject to obesity according to their genetics.

How to Use “Subject to Change” in a Sentence

Now that you understand the meaning of the verbal phrase “subject to” and have seen examples, let’s discuss how to use “subject to change” in a sentence. “Subject to change” describes something about the subject, meaning that it functions collectively as an adjective phrase.

When using “subject to change” in a sentence, the sentence’s subject must always come before the phrase. In the following examples, we list the subject in purple, the verbal phrase in red, and the object in green.

When I signed her soccer forms, it said that the monthly fee was subject to change.

For future reference, my hourly rates are subject to change.

Molly’s mom said their holiday plans were subject to change according to the weather.

I’d like to know if the price of oranges is subject to change.

My Grandad told me that the deed to his house is subject to change upon his death.

In the above examples, you’ll notice that the sentence only makes sense because the subject of the sentence comes before the phrase. For instance, in the first example, “the monthly fee” is the subject that is likely to change, and that is why it is “subject to change.”

You can use the phrase “subject to change” in everyday conversation. However, it has a very formal tone and is better used in a more formal setting.

The most common use for this phrase is in legal documents, forms, letters, or formal emails stating that the terms of an agreement are subject to change. Contracts will usually list the specific terms subject to change or revision, whether it’s fees, services, schedules, or what have you (source).

As shown in the examples that follow, there are two main ways you may find “subject to change” in a legal document — used within a sentence to describe terms that are changeable or used as a heading followed by the changeable terms.

The price of lunch foods in the school cafeteria is subject to change.

These terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The Department of Residential Life and Business Services and XYZ University reserves the sole right to restrict the number of meals or quantity of portions served should access to funds or resources be impaired.

What Is Another Way of Saying “Subject to Change?”

There are many other, more straightforward ways of saying that something is “subject to change.” You can replace the phrase with one of the following interchangeable words, or synonyms, and your sentence will mean the same thing (source).

A few formal words that are interchangeable with “subject to change” include:

Conditional
Fluid
Scalable
Tentative
Conjectural
Modifiable

A few conversational words and phrases that are interchangeable with “subject to change” include:

Adjustable
Unsettled
Not final
Unconfirmed
Likely to change

Let’s take a look at how these interchangeable words can take the place of “subject to change” without changing the meaning or grammar. The sentence we will work with today is “Amy’s soccer fees this year are subject to change.”

Conditional	Amy’s soccer fees this year are conditional.
Fluid	Amy’s soccer fees this year are fluid.
Scalable	Amy’s soccer fees this year are scalable.
Adjustable	Amy’s soccer fees this year are adjustable.

You can see how the meaning remains the same and how these words are much simpler additions to your daily vocabulary. For more options, make sure you consult references like The Oxford New Essential Dictionary and Dreyer’s English style guide, available on Amazon.

“Subject to Change” or “Subjected to Change?”

These two phrases, “subject to change” and “subjected to change,” may sound similar, but they are not the same.

“Subject to change” is a grammatically correct phrase often used in legal documentation, whereas “subjected to change” is far less common, possibly used to imply that someone was forced to change.

The verbal phrase “subjected to” is used in the same way as “subject to,” only “subjected to” is mostly used to describe a negative circumstance that a person is generally unwilling to go through.

In other words, “subject to” is used to describe an action that is prone to happen, “subjected to” is used to describe an action that has happened or has been happening to a person, usually in a negative sense.

Subject to	Subjected to
Your fingers are subject to freeze if you stay out too long.	Your fingers are subjected to freezing temperatures when you stay out too long.
Your skin is subject to burning in this hot summer sun.	Your skin has been subjected to burning in this hot summer sun.
Louis is subject to bullying because she is new.	Because she is new, Louis has been subjected to bullying.

These examples show you how the two phrases “subject to” and “subjected to” can change the meaning from something likely to happen to something that has or is happening.

For further guides on using various English phrases, check out our article on the comparison of “what are you up to” vs. “what are you up too.”

What Is the Opposite of “Subject to Change?”

There are many contrasting words and phrases that mean the opposite of “subject to change,” and the most commonly used is “fixed.” There are a few other synonyms to “fixed,” which we will discuss later in this section.

The word “fixed” is used to explain that something can’t or won’t change. For example, suppose you purchase a car, and there will not be any interest on your monthly car payments. In that case, your contract will say that the monthly installment is fixed.

How to Use “Fixed” in a Sentence with Examples

Much like “subject to change,” the word “fixed” is better used in a formal setting, particularly in legal documents and forms pertaining to fees or schedules of some kind.

“Fixed” functions as an adjective, like the adjective phrase “subject to change.” When using the word “fixed” in a sentence, the subject will come before the word in the same way that it would for “subject to change.”

Let’s look at some example sentences using “fixed” with the adjective highlighted in blue.

You said that the timeframe for building the house was fixed.

My singing teacher told me that her hourly rate is fixed and is the same for every student.

Andrew read through the document only to see that the monthly mortgage was fixed.

I don’t know if my yearly rate should be fixed or subject to change.

The monthly rental in this building is fixed until next February.

For many of these examples, you can see that if you swapped the word “fixed” with “subject to change,” the sentence’s meaning will become inverted.

Let’s pretend that you run a housecleaning service in your neighborhood, and you decide that you’re going to charge a weekly fee, including a few popular jobs.

If you decide that you are going to choose a weekly rate that stays the same no matter if your expenses increase or decrease, then you will say that your prices are fixed.

If you decide that your weekly rate must be allowed to fluctuate if your expenses increase or decrease, you will say that your prices are subject to change.

Subject to Change	Fixed
The tour dates for next month are subject to change.	The tour dates for next month are fixed.
My hourly rate for gardening services is subject to change.	My hourly rate for gardening services is fixed.
Tim’s ski trip is subject to change depending on the weather forecast.	Tim’s ski trip is subject to change no matter the weather forecast.
Your appointment is subject to change; please call ahead of time to confirm.	Your appointment is fixed; there’s no need to call ahead of time to confirm.
Thanks to my landlord, our electricity prices are subject to change.	Thanks to my landlord, our electricity prices are fixed.

These examples show you how the sentences mean the opposite of each other. The sentence structure may also change when you interchange these two phrases.

Alternatives to “Fixed”

There are various words and phrases you can use in replacement of the word “fixed.” Some of these phrases and words include:

Set in stone
Permanent
Established
Secured
Inflexible

Although these words and phrases are grammatically correct replacements for the word “fixed,” many of them are unlikely to be used.

Examples of Words and Phrases Interchangeable with “Fixed”

Let’s look at some examples of how words and phrases interchangeable with “fixed” behave in the same sentence.

For these examples, let’s use this sentence to work with: “John’s monthly mortgage on the house is fixed.”

Set in stone	John’s monthly mortgage on the house is set in stone.
Permanent	John’s monthly mortgage on the house is permanent.
Established	John’s monthly mortgage on the house is established.
Secured	John’s monthly mortgage on the house is secured.
Inflexible	John’s monthly mortgage on the house is inflexible.

Unlike “subject to change,” in the examples above, the word “fixed” is the best word to use. The other words still make sense in the sentence, but they are less likely to be used in this scenario.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article has offered you the support and knowledge you needed. The next time you read the terms in a document and see the phrase “subject to change,” you’ll know exactly what it means.

Learning the English language in more depth may get daunting at times, but each step forward is a step in the right direction.

Some of the most challenging aspects of this complex language are the words and phrases used in business and legal documents. Well done for coming this far in your English Language learning journey.

Источник

Perhaps you have heard that conversation is an art or that knowing how to speak requires certain skills. And that certainly is true.

If you were to think about it carefully, when you are speaking animatedly with someone that you like or are speaking about a subject that you are passionate about, you can safely and effortlessly go from one topic to another almost without realizing you are doing so.

However, there are those times when the communication is not as fluid as we would like it to be and, eager to save the moment, the first idea to come to mind to rescue the situation is to change the subject.

On more than one occasion, you have probably tried to change the subject during a conversation. On some occasions, you have definitely been successful while on others, you have found yourself with the bitter sensation that it was too sudden of a change and that it ended up harming the conversation.

For this reason, we have decided to present some elements that you should consider when changing the subject of a conversation in English along with some expressions that you should know.

Do not forget the context in which you find yourself

If you are in the middle of an informal conversation with a friend, relative, or acquaintance, it is very likely that the conversation will jump from one topic to another in a very natural way.

However, if the conversation is in English, it is important for you to know some expressions to change the topic imperceptibly, either because you do not want to continue talking about the same thing, because you want to vary the conversation, or because, perhaps, you feel that the conversation is going somewhere you do not want it to go.

Now, if the context in which you find yourself is more formal and you do not know the other party well, you should keep in mind that it is very important to pay attention to what they are saying because this can give you hints about their likes, dislikes, or a work or academic issue.

Paying attention to those details can be crucial to allow you to keep the conversation going and change the subject without any major trauma.

The following are some phrases that you will surely find useful, both in formal and informal conversations:

1. Now that I think about it…

This expression is more appropriate to use in an informal context:

Now that I think about it, do you remember Jonathan?

2. That reminds me of…

This phrase is especially useful when something mentioned allows you to introduce a new topic:

That reminds me of the case of a friend, who lost his house in a fire.

3. That brings to mind…

Very similar to the previous one, this phrase is used to relate the current topic of conversation with a new one.

It means “that makes me think of…”:

That brings to mind the fact that a lady asked me if I knew an acupuncturist.

4. Changing the subject…

This expression is very useful when you need to be more direct about introducing a new topic:

Changing the subject, did you know that Sanel is in Japan for the holidays?

5. By the way, what can you tell me about…?

This interrogative phrase gives you the opportunity to introduce a new topic by means of a question.

This is an easy way to allow your conversation partner to be involved in the change of topic and you can get to know them a little better at the same time:

By the way, what can you tell me about Mayan architecture?

These are some of the phrases and expressions that you can use when you need to change the subject during a conversation.

Do not forget that practice is very important to achieve a good command of the language as well as a good knowledge of the grammar rules.

If you are interested in practicing your English and improving your level, why not try the course from ABA English?

You can study anywhere and anytime. The course also offers 144 free video classes and the same number of short films to allow you to learn the grammar and communication skills you will need in your day to day life in an easy and entertaining way.

Источник

Difficulty

Low	Medium	High
A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2

When we are feeling uncomfortable with a situation and want to change the subject we can use a number of phrases that divert the focus of the conversation from an awkward dialogue to an easier choice of conversation.

Read the dialogue below and notice the changes in subject.

Manager: Good afternoon everyone, I hope you’ve had a good day. We need to talk about the new programs installed on the computers in the offices…

Employee #1: I can’t understand how to work the new computer system, it’s too difficult and there are too many things to remember, I…

Manager: Anyway, as I was saying, the new computer programs have been installed and there will be a workshop for all of those who need some help with understanding how the system works.

Employee #2: When will the workshop be held? Can we do it tomorrow, I can’t waste a full day like I did today. Oh, that reminds me the coffee machine isn’t working either.

Manager: OK, we will try and hold the meeting tomorrow to get you acquainted with the new system. As for the coffee machine, we’ll get someone to look at that. Talking of coffee, what about going out for a coffee after work today.

Employee #1: As long as it’s on you! By the way, I think that the coffee machine needs new filters and it should work.

Manager: No problem with that, we will get it sorted out. That reminds me, we’ll be having our annual Halloween party next month so start thinking of your costumes.

Complete the dialogues with changing the subject expressions from the text above.

A: I’m just going out to meet up with Ken.
B: (a) __________, can you give this book to him? I’ve been meaning to return it for ages.
A: Then we went dancing at the Mirano. A great evening.
B: (b) ___________ the Mirano, did you know that Ann’s booked it for her birthday party?

A: OK, see you at ten, then.
B: Yeah, fine. Oh, (c)_____________, did I tell you your mother called?
A: And another thing, it’s not urgent, but I think there’s something wrong with the car.
B: It’s probably time for a service.
A: Yes, but (d)____________, there’s no rush.

A: Did you get the tickets for the concert?
B: Yeah, but they were pretty expensive. Hey, (e)______________, Frank hasn’t paid me back for the last time. It was a really boring evening. And, (f) __________ the music, it was awful!

Источник

Download Article

As Winston Churchill once said, “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.” ^[1] When you’ve decided you don’t like the topic of the conversation you’re having or you sense that the person you’re talking with is uncomfortable, there are a number of ways you can steer the conversation in a new direction.

1
Be prepared! If you know you’ll be going into a situation where you’ll be talking to a lot of strangers, think of 2-3 topics for small talk before you get there.
- Choose topics that are of interest to many people — hobbies, sports, and tech gadgets are a good place to start.
2
Focus on the other person. Since people like to talk about themselves, focusing on the other person can make it easier to change the subject.
- Choose a topic that you know is important to your conversation partner. Examples include hobbies, an upcoming event, or a work project.
Advertisement
3
Pay a genuine compliment. This smooth way to change the subject can be used no matter who you’re speaking with. Find a specific aspect of the person’s jewelry, shoes, clothing, and say something nice about it!
- You can also expand on this new subject by asking for more information about the item or feature you are complimenting. For example, “Where did you get that great tan?”
4
Try the abrupt approach. If there is a lull in the conversation, change the topic completely rather than returning to it or trying to transition to another topic more gradually.
- Ask a “conversation starter” question, such as: “What’s the oddest job you’ve done?” or “If you can have dinner with any three people, who would they be?” ^[2]
- Be honest if you’re feeling uncomfortable! Say something like «I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and I’m not sure what to talk about. Can we take a 2-minute breather and jump back in?»
5
Consider your relationship. When deciding what topic you want to change the subject to, think about your relationship with the person to whom you are speaking. Are you trying to change the subject with a co-worker, someone you just met, or your mother-in-law? The stronger your relationship with the person, the more flexibility you have in topics to choose from. ^[3]
- With strangers, stick to small talk. Since you don’t know the person, you can’t know what subjects might be touchy for them. The weather is almost always a safe topic.
- If you’re trying to get to know someone, trade information. For example, ask the person why they are at the conference where you just met. ^[4]
- With friends or co-workers, you can trade opinions. If you want to change the subject, give your opinion of a related topic. For example, your friend is complaining about the food at a restaurant that you chose, and you want to change the subject. Ask something like, “Isn’t this music unusual?”
- With close friends and family, you can discuss feelings. This is the most intimate topic of conversation, but emotions are a valid topic if you are trying to change the subject with your spouse or your sister. Ask how the person is feeling about something you discussed in a previous conversation.

1
Focus on the present situation. Talk about the place where you are — the decor, the landscaping, the event, the city, etc.
- Get your conversation partner thinking. Ask “How many people do you think are here?”
- Point out something unusual in the environment. For example, “Did you see that huge dog over there?”
2
Expand your audience. Another way to change the subject is by bringing a new person into the conversation. Either introduce your conversation partner to someone else you know, or ask your partner to introduce you to someone.
- If neither of you knows anyone at an event, suggest going together to a lively group and introducing yourselves together.
3
Excuse yourself from the conversation. You can tell the person you’ll be right back if you’d like to keep talking to them — a few minutes apart creates a natural reason for the topic to change.
- Use a common excuse. Take a trip to the restroom, or to the buffet, or to get a few minutes of fresh air. ^[5]

1
Make small changes. You can shift the topic of conversation instead of changing it abruptly, by branching out in small steps from the subject that you are currently talking about.
- Use ‘word association’ to shift from one topic to another. For example, if you have dragged on the subject of skiing or snowboarding too long, go on to talk about the weather up north, which can eventually branch to talking about the weather down south.
2
Use the ‘yes, but’ method. You can build a bridge from one topic to another by agreeing with the speaker, and then using the word ‘but’ to change to a new topic.
- For example, if you don’t want to hear any more about cars, you can say, “I love fast cars! But I’m actually really into running fast.” ^[6]
- Other transition words/phrases include: “That reminds me of…” and “By the way…”
3
Ask questions. Let your conversation partner help you change the topic of conversation. Listen carefully what they are saying and ask questions that steer the conversation in a different direction.
- Make your questions open ended. This means they cannot be answered by a yes or no. Begin your question with the Who, What, Where, When, Why, or How to get a more detailed answer. ^[7]
4

Bring the conversation back an earlier topic. Maybe the conversation has just gone off on a tangent. Reintroduce an earlier topic by saying something like “I was really interested in what we were talking about earlier — can you tell me more?”

Add New Question

Question

How do you change the subject without being awkward?

Eze Sanchez is a Life & Relationship Coach and the Founder of Eze Sanchez Coaching in Gainesville, Florida. He’s been practicing as a coach since late 2016 and has more than 1,000 hours of collective training and experience in personal development. He specializes in helping people find self-acceptance, self-empathy, and self-love through building accountability and kindness for themselves. Eze has an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, a diploma in Massage Therapy from the Florida School of Massage, and a certificate from the Satvatove Institute School of Transformative Coaching.

Life & Relationship Coach

Expert Answer

Just be honest! One degree of honesty could be saying «I’m not really finding this conversation engaging and I really want to enjoy our chat. Can we talk about something else instead?» You could also say something like «You seem really passionate about what you’re talking about, but it’s not really something I can relate to. Would it be okay if we find something that is relevant to both of us that we can both be excited to talk about?»
Question

After a lengthy conversation on a topic, I asked if we could change the subject, twice. She responded «no» and kept going. We now have a difference of opinion on protocol. Am I wrong to not continue to listen? Or is she wrong not to let it go?

If you don’t want to keep listening or participating in the discussion, leave and find someone else to talk to. If she has a problem with that, explain to her (politely) that you didn’t want to talk about that so you found a neutral solution.
Question

How do I get out of an interview?

Tell them you have a family emergency and you will try to schedule it for another day — but never do.

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Let the other person know if you can’t really connect with what they’re discussing. You might say «It seems like you’re very passionate about this, but it’s not really something I can relate to. What if we talk about…?»

Avoid making yourself the subject of conversation too quickly.
It’s safest not to offer advice unless the other person asks for it.

References

About This Article

Article SummaryX

If you need to change the subject in a conversation, try a subtle strategy like reintroducing an earlier topic by saying something like “I was really interested in what we were talking about earlier — can you tell me more?” Or you can use the “yes, but” method by building a bridge from one topic and then using “but” to change to a new subject. For example, if you don’t want to hear any more about cars, say “I love fast cars! But I’m actually really into running fast.” For more crafty ways to change the subject, like how to use an external distraction, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 207,359 times.

Reader Success Stories

Moloko Mokubedi

Jun 3, 2017

«I met a girl on Badoo and I tried to impress her with heavy English, and that backfired when she caught my flaws. I…» more

Did this article help you?

Источник