Nothing makes you more aware of the passing time than being stuck talking about something you’re not interested in. Clunky subject changers like “well, anyway” might do the job, but they never have the effect you want them to. Instead, learn how to change the subject without hurting anyone’s feelings using these six methods.
How to Change the Subject With Spy-Like Ease
If you haven’t been unwillingly sucked into a conversation about something you don’t care about, you’re time is coming. But when it does, you’ll be ready to change the subject with spy-like ease thanks to these six topic-changing methods.
Be “Reminded” of a New Topic Tangentially Connected to the Old One
Using a subject as a “reminder” of something else you wanted to talk about is an awesome way to keep the flow of a conversation going. It’s one of the most seamless ways to change a subject in a conversation because it connects the old thread with the new one.
For example, if someone’s been talking about their breakup for nearly an hour, you might use their romantic misfortunes to “remind” you about a storyline in the show you recently watched. “You know, that happened to [character’s name], too! Speaking of [show name], has anyone else found something great to watch lately?”
Interject With Breaking News (When Possible)
Breaking news is a perfect way to interrupt a conversation and immediately change the subject. Of course, you’re at the mercy of the universe, so you can’t rely on this being an option. But, if it’s a big news day, you should have a ton of cannon fodder to switch subjects on the fly.
Geopolitics and weather aren’t the only news subjects you can look at. Look for updates in the arts, science, entertainment, and law to name just a few.
Point Out Something Happening in Your Environment
Pay attention to your environment and use it to your advantage. If you’re waiting in line outside or sitting on a terrace, a cute dog might cross your path. Interjecting with “OH, look at the cute dog!” and pointing toward it can shift the conversation to something new.
Things are happening around you all the time, and their sudden appearance makes them a perfect excuse to interject on a topic you don’t want to talk about anymore.
Related: 68 Romantic Conversation Starters for Every Relationship Stage
Use Your Body Language to Encourage a Subject Change
Ursula doesn’t sing about the power of body language for nothing. Nonverbal cues are some of the most powerful persuasive tools at our disposal. If you’re uncomfortable with speaking up to change subjects, you can use your body language to do the work for you.
Some ways to show your displeasure or disinterest in a romantic situation are the same as the ones you can use with a stubborn conversation topic:
- Not making eye contact with the person speaking
- Staring into the distance
- Conversing with your arms crossed
- Increasing the physical distance between the two of you
- Tapping your foot
- Sighing multiple times
- Furrowing your eyebrows
- Looking at them askance
Remind the Speaker of Something They Should Share With the Group
If you know the speaker well, think of a topic or new development in their life that they’d be eager to discuss with everyone. For example, things like moving house, work projects, work drama, pregnancy announcements, and engagements make for great natural topic changes.
People like to talk about the extremes in their lives, so think of a really good or really annoying thing that’s happened to the person recently and nudge them with a prompt like, “Did everyone hear about [their name]'s promotion?”
Find an Excuse to Leave the Conversation
If all else fails and the person you’re talking to refuses to stop beating the dead horse, the only thing to do is eject from the conversation. Some people are like a dog with a bone, and you don’t have to subject yourself to a topic that makes you uncomfortable, annoyed, or upset.
Ready to make a hasty exit? Here are some good excuses that’ll get you on your merry way.
- Taking a much-needed bathroom break
- Needing some fresh air
- Dealing with a headache that won’t go away
- Needing to run errands that are far away
- Making an important phone call
- Responding to a work email
- Getting in the school pick-up line early
- Leaving early to avoid traffic
Related: Deep Conversation Starters to Intensify Your Connection
10 Phrases to Help You Subtly Change the Subject
Sometimes, you don’t need to rely on a method to weasel your way out of a boring topic. Instead, all you need is a perfect phrase to transition from one topic to the next. Give one of these phrases a try the next time you want to deftly change the subject.
- You know, that reminds me of…
- Wait, did you just see that?
- That does sound annoying. Know what else is annoying? [New topic].
- That makes me think about…
- Can you believe [event] just happened?
- Sorry to interrupt, but did you just see that?
- I appreciate how passionate you are about [subject], but I think we’ve probably covered everything we possibly can in one conversation.
- Oh, I almost forgot to tell you!
- Mind if I interrupt for a second? I’ve only got a few minutes left and wanted your opinion on [new topic].
Switching Subjects Is Easier Than Ever
Changing the subject of a conversation takes skill, but it’s something that anyone can learn. All you need is a few phrases and topic ideas in your back pocket, and you’ll be ready to direct any conversation like a real pro.
