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How can you quickly change the subject in English and get out of trouble when someone seems uncomfortable?

It’s important to know how to do this if you want to be able to make great connections with people.

How do we know when someone’s uncomfortable in American culture?

• Their shoulders tense up


• They don’t make eye contact


• Their tone of voice changes


• They hesitate


• They use “um,” “ya know” and other filler words

Today let’s find out how to save the interaction when you have brought up a topic that makes someone uncomfortable?

What questions can you ask to change the topic?

• “So how’s work going?” (ask about the person’s job or work projects)


• “How are your parents doing?” (ask about the person’s family)


• “It’s freezing today, isn’t it?” (or another weather comment)


•  “Do you have any vacations coming up?’


• “Have you seen any good movies lately?”

What questions do you use in your culture to change the topic if someone is uncomfortable?

Share your ideas in the comments below!

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