Have you ever been in a discussion and wished to abruptly shift the subject without making it awkward? Perhaps you were chatting about job stress and then recalled a hilarious tale about your dog. Or perhaps you were having a serious conversation and needed to lighten the tone. This is when words like “on another note” come in help. Other Ways to Say “On Another Note”.
But, let’s be honest, repeating the same thing might grow tiresome. Imagine saying “On another note” every time you changed subjects. People may start guessing your next statement! Fortunately, the English language is plenty of entertaining, informal, and even professional ways to accomplish this.
In this article, we’ll look at numerous techniques for effortlessly transitioning between subjects without appearing robotic or repetitious. Whether you
Speaking of That…
Have you ever been deep in a conversation when something someone said triggered a connected thought? Instead of “On another note,” use “Speaking of that…” It maintains the flow natural, as if you’re connecting the dots rather than hopping around aimlessly.
For instance, if a buddy is talking about a new pizza shop, you may add, “Did you know they just opened a new dessert café next door?”
It makes the discourse flow smoothly, as if one concept spontaneously flowed to the next. Plus, it seems far more interesting than abruptly shifting the subject.
Read More: Other Ways to Say “Someone Who Asks a Lot of Questions”
That Reminds Me…
Sometimes your brain generates random connections on its own. Maybe someone is talking about their road trip, and you suddenly recall the time you got lost on your way to a performance. Instead of uncomfortably switching gears, try stating “That reminds me…”. I once wound myself in the incorrect city due to a GPS error!”
It’s like allowing others inside your cognitive process. They’ll immediately understand why you changed the subject, making the shift appear simple. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t enjoy a good personal story?
While We’re on the Subject…
Consider this scenario: you and your coworkers are discussing workplace snacks. You instantly recall that the breakroom coffee machine is broken. Instead than forcing a transition, ask, “Has anyone else noticed the coffee tastes weird lately?”
This sentence maintains the topic connected, making it feel like a natural extension of the conversation rather than a sudden change. Isn’t it smooth?
On a Different Note…
To make things simple, use “On a different note…” instead of “On another note.” It’s a basic, straightforward approach to indicate a subject shift.
Imagine you’re chatting with a friend about weekend plans when you suddenly remember a work update. You may say: “On a different note, did you hear they’re moving the office to a new location?”
This phrase is both profesional and conversational, making it ideal for meetings, emails, and informal conversations.
By the Way…
Ah, the king of casual topic changes! “By the way” is so natural that you probably say it all the time without even realizing it. It’s perfect for adding little side notes without making them feel forced.
Picture this: you’re chatting with a friend about weekend plans when you suddenly remember something funny. Instead of awkwardly pausing, you say:
“By the way, I saw the funniest meme today. You HAVE to see it!”
It’s short, friendly, and works in almost any situation. What’s not to love?
Come to Think of It…
Have you ever had a delayed reaction and suddenly remembered something important? “Come to think of it…” shines here.
For instance, if someone mentions their favorite TV program and you remember a new season is available on Netflix, you may remark, “Wait, didn’t that just come out?”.
It makes your topic shift appear deliberate rather than random. It’s as if your brain had a “aha!” moment and you’re telling everyone about it.
Now That You Mention It…
This phrase is ideal when someone’s remarks evoke a connected recollection or thinking. It’s similar to saying, “Hey, your point just reminded me of something interesting!”
For example, if a buddy mentions a fantasy vacation and you recall an amusing travel disaster, you may share: “Now that you mention it, I once got lost in Paris for three hours!”.
It keeps the discussion going while making the shift in topic feel entirely natural.
Funny You Should Say That…
Want to seem smart while changing topics? “Funny you should say that” adds some comedy to your transition. It works well when someone unintentionally sets up your next tale.
For example, if a coworker complains about poor Wi-Fi and you have just encountered the same issue, you might respond with humor, such as “Funny you should say that—I spent 30 minutes waiting for an email to load this morning!”
It’s an excellent method to make talks more linked and interesting.
Speaking of Which…
This phrase works wonders when you want to connect your new topic to what was just said. It makes your transition feel natural, like one idea flows into another.
Imagine your friend is talking about trying a new gym, and you suddenly remember you need a workout buddy. Instead of making an awkward jump, you say:
“Speaking of which, I’ve been looking for a gym partner! Want to go together?”
Seamless, right?
That’s a Good Point, and…
This remark is most effective when you wish to acknowledge someone’s argument before neatly changing the subject. It’s ideal for professional situations in which you need to appear involved while directing the conversation.
For instance, if a coworker recommends a new project concept and you want to discuss possible issues, you may remark, “That’s a good point, but it makes me wonder—how will we handle the budget?”
It’s courteous, considerate, and keeps the conversation going.
Before I Forget…
Ever had an idea spring into your brain that you simply had to share before it vanished? “Before I forget” is ideal for certain situations.
Imagine you’re talking about weekend plans when you suddenly remember a birthday invitation. Instead of suppressing your feelings, ask, “Have you seen Jake’s party invitation?”
It adds a sense of urgency to your shift while being amicable.
That’s Reminding Me of…
When one concept organically leads to another, this statement makes the move feel seamless and reasonable.
For example, if someone mentions their love for coffee and you recently spotted a new café coming, you may respond, “That reminds me of the new coffee shop opening downtown.” Did you hear about it?”
It continues the discourse while contributing something new.
In Other News…
This one works great for lighthearted shifts, especially when you’re jumping from one unrelated topic to another. If your friend is talking about their job stress but you want to share a funny story, you could say: “In other news, my dog just learned how to open doors, and it’s pure chaos.” It signals the shift without making it awkward.
Not to Change the Subject, But…
Sometimes, you just have to switch gears, and you want to make it clear that you know you’re changing the subject. That’s where “Not to change the subject, but…” comes in handy. Let’s say your friend is deep in a conversation about their new workout routine, but you suddenly remember you need to ask them about their weekend plans. Instead of abruptly jumping topics, you say: “Not to change the subject, but are we still meeting up this Saturday?” This phrase lets people know you’re shifting gears on purpose, so it doesn’t feel random or out of place. It’s a friendly way to steer the conversation without making it awkward.
While I Think of It…
Ever had one of those moments where an idea pops into your head, and you know you’ll forget if you don’t say it immediately? That’s when “While I think of it…” is perfect. Imagine you and your coworker are talking about lunch spots, but you suddenly remember a meeting update. Instead of holding onto the thought (and risking forgetting it), you say: “While I think of it, did you hear they changed the meeting time?” This phrase makes it clear that you’re bringing something up before it slips your mind. It’s casual, natural, and works in both personal and professional settings.
Before We Move On…
This remark is useful when you want to swiftly add a thought before the conversation progresses too far. It works well in fast-paced debates when you don’t want to lose an opportunity to say something.
For instance, if you’re in a group discussion about dinner arrangements and someone mentions an important event, you may ask, “How did your big presentation go?”
It makes your change feel deliberate and purposeful, rather than haphazard. It also demonstrates that you are paying attention and actively participating.
As a Side Note…
This one is ideal for adding additional information that isn’t directly linked to the topic but yet seems important.
Consider this scenario: your buddy is chatting about their new puppy, and you suddenly recall a hilarious dog video you saw. Instead of saying “As a side note,” you might say, “Have you seen that viral video of the dog skateboarding?”
It makes your new topic seem like a delightful addition rather than a drastic change. It’s ideal for informal talks, storytelling, and even professional communications when you want to provide a brief, pertinent comment.
Just Thinking Out Loud…
Have you ever had an idea that you’re not sure fits into the discussion but want to speak anyway? “Just thinking out loud…” is ideal for this.
Let’s assume you and a friend are discussing about road trips when you suddenly remember a fantasy holiday spot. Instead of bringing it up, you may say something like, “Wouldn’t it be great to go on a cross-country road trip someday?”
This sentence helps your transition feel more spontaneous and natural, like a casual idea rather than a forced adjustment. It’s ideal for brainstorming, having enjoyable talks, and exchanging unexpected ideas.
Oh, That Reminds Me…
This is one of the simplest and smoothest methods to change subjects. It effortlessly relates what you just stated to your next idea, making the shift feel seamless.
For instance, if a buddy mentions their favorite book and you recall a similar one you like, you may reply, “Oh, that reminds me—I just read a book I think you’d love!”
It makes your topic change feel more related, as if your brain has established a natural relationship between concepts. It’s informal, pleasant, and simple to employ in any discussion.
Take It Easy
Staying safe isn’t only about avoiding danger; it might also mean calming down and not overthinking things. “Take it easy” is a casual, polite approach to wish someone well without being overly serious.
Picture this: Your acquaintance is rushing about, overburdened with work. You SMS them, “Hey, don’t forget to breathe.” “Take it easy, okay?” It’s a simple reminder that their well-being is important.
Perhaps your sibling is going on a lengthy road trip. You wave and say, “Drive safely and take it easy!” It lightens the mood while yet demonstrating concern.
This statement is ideal when you want someone to be attentive, relax, and avoid pushing oneself too much.
Final Thought
Switching subjects does not have to be forced or unpleasant. With the appropriate words, you can keep discussions flowing easily, whether you’re talking with pals, sending an email, or making small talk.
Instead of stating “On another note,” consider saying something fun, easygoing, and engaging like “Before we move on,” “Oh, that reminds me,” or “Just thinking aloud.” These expressions make talks more engaging, fluid, and natural.
So, next time you’re going to change topics, try one of them. Your talks will seem natural, interesting, and much more enjoyable!
