5 Navigational Phrases for Steering Conversations & What Not to Say

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where one person dominates the discussion, leaving no room for anyone else to speak? It can be frustrating and even intimidating. But don't worry, there are ways to steer the conversation elsewhere without being rude or confrontational. In this communication skills training blog post, we'll discuss five navigational phrases you can use to change the topic gracefully.

1. "That's an interesting point, however have you considered...?" This phrase acknowledges the other person's contribution to the conversation while subtly redirecting it. By asking a question, you invite the other person to consider a different perspective or idea, which can help shift the focus of the discussion.  

2. "Speaking of [related topic], have you heard about...?" This phrase is a smooth transition from the current topic to a related one. By using the phrase "speaking of," you acknowledge the previous topic while introducing a new one that may be of interest to everyone in the conversation.

3. "I hear what you're saying, but let's shift gears for a moment and talk about..." This phrase is a gentle way to redirect the conversation while still acknowledging the other person's contribution. By using the phrase "shift gears," you signal that the conversation is about to change direction, but you do so in a way that is respectful and non-confrontational.

4. "That's a great point, but I'd love to hear what others think about..." This phrase acknowledges the other person's contribution while also inviting others to join the conversation. By asking for other perspectives, you can shift the focus of the discussion to a more inclusive one.

5. "You know what, I just remembered something I wanted to ask you about..." This phrase is a way to pivot the conversation to a new topic without making it seem forced. By mentioning that you just remembered something, you give the impression that the new topic is spontaneous and natural.

   Dan O'Connor, Wizard of Words, discusses these and more in his communication course entitled Step Out of the Shadows and Speak.  Dan is the master of online communication skills training!  He will also give you danger phrases for this same situation; five of these are listed below.

Now let's take a look at five things you should NOT say to change the topic:

1. "Can we talk about something else?" This phrase is too direct and may come across as rude or dismissive. It also doesn't provide any context or direction for the new topic, leaving the conversation feeling disjointed.

2. "I'm getting bored with this topic." This phrase is also too direct and may hurt the other person's feelings. It's important to be respectful of everyone's contributions to the conversation, even if you don't find the topic interesting.

3. "Let's talk about something more important." This phrase is dismissive of the current topic and may make the other person feel like their contribution was unimportant. It's important to acknowledge everyone's perspectives and contributions to the conversation.

4. "I don't want to talk about that." This phrase is too confrontational and may shut down the conversation altogether. It's important to be open-minded and respectful of everyone's perspectives, even if you don't agree with them.

5. "Can we talk about something that's not so [negative/controversial/etc.]?" This phrase is too judgmental and may make the other person feel defensive. It's important to be respectful of everyone's perspectives and contributions to the conversation, even if the topic is difficult or controversial.

   The second group of five includes navigational phrases that are abrupt, rude, and to be avoided.  

In summary, changing the topic gracefully requires finesse and tact. By using navigational phrases that acknowledge the other person's contribution while gently redirecting the conversation, you can shift the focus of the discussion without being rude or confrontational. And by avoiding the five things you should NOT say, you can ensure that the conversation remains respectful and inclusive.