Shifting the Topic of Conversation
As you practice the art of conversation, starting and joining many conversations with many different types people, there will come a time when you'll want to shift the
topic of conversation to something else.
It could be that the topic under discussion is causing tempers to flare up or is of poor taste, silly or just plain boring. Whatever the reason, there are ways that
you can “change the subject” with out being rude, or even obvious about it. Here are some pointers on how that can be done.
Look to Segue into a better topic
The word “segue” means to make a seamless transition without interruption from one activity, topic, or part to another. Look for a word or phrase that will allow you
to segue into a better topic. Here’s an example:
“I read somewhere that grass grows at a rate of .00359 inches a day.” Says conversation partner #1.
“Do you mean all varieties of grass or just Bermuda Grass?” Asks conversation partner #2.
“I heard that Bermuda grass is becoming the most popular type of grass grown in our region, (The segue) but not as popular as the grass you smoke. I read recently that
they are considering making smoking pot legal in our State. What do you think?” Says conversation partner #3, who has masterfully shifted the topic of conversation.
The Direct Approach
Another way to change the subject is to be direct about it. You can say something as simple as, “I hope you don't mind if I change the subject because things are getting
a little heated in here.” Or perhaps you might add a little humor to lighten the mood by saying, “Maybe we should change the subject before a fight breaks out. You know
I don't mind a good fight, but I just got my nails done.”
Of course, once you've made the suggestion to change the subject, you should have a new topic ready at hand. Plunge right into your new topic, and the old one may soon be memory.
Keeping the Conversation Alive
Shifting the topic of conversation skillfully is also a way of keeping a conversation alive when the present topic has run its course. That way, an excellent conversationalist can
keep his/ her conversations fresh and interesting.
So, practice shifting the topic of conversation by using cleverly crafted segues or the direct approach, and be prepared to shift the conversation once the present topic has become stale,
and you will have the ability to make so-so conversations into great ones.
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