What happens in the video
Theo is proud of his perfect letter spacing, but Hana says, "Change the subject, Theo. I'd rather talk about taxes." Then she tries a softer way and says, "On a different note, any plans this weekend?" Theo answers that he's going to a museum of old fonts and asks if she wants to come. Watch the Short to hear both ways of changing the subject.
1 Speaking of which.
Tone Smooth and casual
Use it when something the other person just said connects to your new topic. Don't use it for a topic with no link to the conversation, because the listener will look for a connection that isn't there.
Speaking of which
For example:
A: I finally cleaned my kitchen this weekend.
B: Nice. Speaking of which, can I borrow your big pan on Friday?
A: Sure, it's clean now.
2 Before I forget.
Tone Friendly and polite
Use it to add a quick, useful point, often near the end of a conversation or before you leave. Don't use it to start a long discussion; the phrase promises something short.
Oh, before I forget.
For example:
A: Okay, see you tomorrow.
B: Oh, before I forget, the meeting moved to ten.
A: Thanks, good to know.
3 Now on a different note.
Tone Clear and direct
Use it when you move to a fully new topic, for example from small talk to plans or from one work item to another. It sounds organized, so it works well at work. It can feel a little formal with close friends.
Now on a different note, you and I, promotional lunch, one o'clock.
For example:
A: So that's the update on the budget.
B: Thanks. Now on a different note, who's free to visit the client on Monday?
4 By the way.
Tone Casual and light
Use it to add a side point in relaxed conversation or a message. Avoid it for serious or bad news, because it can make important news sound unimportant.
For example:
A: The movie starts at eight.
B: Great. By the way, I'm bringing my cousin. Is that okay?
A: Of course.
5 That reminds me.
Tone Natural and warm
Use it when something in the conversation makes you remember another topic. It works almost everywhere. Don't use it if nothing really reminded you; it can sound like an excuse to talk about yourself.
For example:
A: It's going to rain all week.
B: That reminds me, I still have your umbrella.
6 On another note.
Tone Neutral and organized
Use it like "on a different note" to start a new topic in a meeting, email or conversation. It is a little softer than "Now on a different note" because it has no "now."
For example:
A: The report is almost done.
B: Good. On another note, the office will be closed on Friday.
7 Anyway.
Tone Casual, closes a topic
Use it to end a topic, often after a long story or an awkward moment, and return to the main point. Said too sharply, it can sound like you are bored by the other person.
For example:
A: ...and then the bus never came.
B: That sounds awful.
A: Anyway, how was your interview?
8 Let's change the subject.
Tone Direct, sometimes firm
Use it when a topic is uncomfortable or going nowhere and you want everyone to stop. It is honest but strong, so say it with a smile or follow it with a new question.
For example:
A: So, how much do you earn now?
B: Ha, let's change the subject. How's your new apartment?
9 Moving on.
Tone Brisk and businesslike
Use it in meetings or presentations to go to the next item. In personal conversation it can sound cold, as if the last topic didn't matter.
For example:
A: Any more questions about the schedule? No? Okay.
A: Moving on, let's look at the sales numbers.
10 While I have you.
Tone Polite and practical
Use it when you have a short chance to ask someone something, like a colleague in the hallway or a person on the phone. It is not for long or difficult requests.
For example:
A: Thanks for calling back.
B: No problem. While I have you, could you send me the invoice?
A: I'll do it today.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Speaking of which, my sister is getting married. (after a talk about the weather)Better On a different note, my sister is getting married.
"Speaking of which" needs a link to what was just said. For a new topic with no link, use "on a different note" or "by the way."
-
Not quite
On the other hand, any plans this weekend?Better On a different note, any plans this weekend?
"On the other hand" compares two sides of the same idea. It doesn't start a new topic. "On a different note" does.
-
Not quite
Before I forget, I want to talk about our whole project plan for next year.Better Before I forget, the deadline moved to Friday.
"Before I forget" promises a quick point. Use it for one short piece of information, not a long discussion.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your friend mentions coffee, and you want to ask about the new café near your office. Which line fits best?
- Speaking of which
- Moving on
- Now on a different note
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Speaking of which The new topic connects to what your friend just said, and "speaking of which" links a new topic to the last one.
-
You're leaving a friend's house and want to tell them their package arrived at your place. What do you say?
- Moving on
- Before I forget
- Let's change the subject
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: Before I forget "Before I forget" introduces a quick, useful point, often at the end of a conversation.
-
Which line sounds clear and direct for a fully new topic in a meeting?
- Anyway
- That reminds me
- Now on a different note
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: Now on a different note "Now on a different note" tells everyone a completely new topic is starting.
-
Someone asks a personal question you don't want to answer. Which line is honest but polite if you smile and ask a new question?
- Speaking of which
- Let's change the subject
- Before I forget
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Let's change the subject "Let's change the subject" directly stops the topic, so a smile and a new question keep it friendly.
-
Why can "Moving on" sound cold with a friend who just shared a problem?
- It is grammatically wrong
- It suggests the last topic didn't matter
- It is only used in writing
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: It suggests the last topic didn't matter "Moving on" is brisk and businesslike, so after a personal story it can sound like you don't care.
Questions learners ask
How do you change the subject politely in English?
Use a short signal phrase before the new topic, such as "By the way," "That reminds me" or "On a different note." If the new topic connects to the last one, "Speaking of which" sounds smooth. A friendly question about the new topic also helps the other person follow you.
What is the difference between "by the way" and "speaking of which"?
"Speaking of which" means your new point connects to what was just said. "By the way" adds a side point that may have no connection at all. Both are casual and common in everyday conversation.
Is "on a different note" formal?
It is neutral and organized, so it works in meetings, emails and everyday talk. With close friends it can sound a little planned, and "anyway" or "by the way" may feel more relaxed. Adding "now" at the start, as in "Now on a different note," makes the change sound clearer and more direct.
Is it rude to say "Let's change the subject"?
It isn't rude, but it is direct. It tells people you want to stop the current topic, often because the topic is uncomfortable. Say it lightly and follow it with a new question so the conversation keeps going.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
