Find a video
How smart people say change the subject | English from movies
Close video
The video plays from YouTube when you press play.
If the player does not load, open the video on YouTube.
Select a line to hear it again. Tap any word to see what it means. Underlined words are the key words of this video.
-
Hana the , Theo. I'd .
-
Theo So my ?
-
Tutor and .
-
Adventures of Aladdin of
-
Tutor and .
-
A Joyous Christmas Oh, I .
-
Tutor and .
-
A Crush on You Now on a , you and I, , one o'clock.
-
Hana On a , any ?
-
Theo Yes. A of old . ?
Choose an answer for each question, then check it.
-
Question 1
Your friend mentions coffee, and you want to ask about the new café near your office. Which line fits best?
-
Question 2
You're leaving a friend's house and want to tell them their package arrived at your place. What do you say?
-
Question 3
Which line sounds clear and direct for a fully new topic in a meeting?
-
Question 4
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?
-
Question 5
Why can "Moving on" sound cold with a friend who just shared a problem?
Quick answer
How smart people say 'change the subject'
To change the subject smoothly, add a short signal before the new topic. Use "Speaking of which" when the new topic connects to the last one, "Before I forget" for a quick useful point, and "Now on a different note" for a completely new topic. These signals tell the listener that the topic is changing, so the switch doesn't feel rude or random.
Key words in this video
Tap any word to see what it means. Underlined words are the key words of this video.
Each line explained
-
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”
-
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.”
-
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.”
-
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.
-
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.
-
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."
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.
Mira · AI tutor
Practice with your AI tutor
Ask about this page or practice its English in a private chat. Your tutor uses your selected level or the level information available in your account.
143 videos
-
00:49
Shorts
Change the game in English: flip the script | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
How smart people say you're welcome | English from movies
-
00:50
Shorts
How smart people say sit down | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
How smart people say I'm jealous | English from movies
-
01:39
Shorts
When you freeze at the café counter | Barista English
-
00:50
Shorts
Fish out of water: feeling out of place | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
How smart people say "What do you want?" | English from movies
-
00:48
Shorts
Boys vs girls: finding each other in a crowd | English from movies
-
00:50
Shorts
How smart people say change the subject | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
Two peas in a pod: say people are alike | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
How smart people say do me a favor | English from movies
-
00:50
Shorts
How smart people say I'm in a bad mood | English from movies
-
00:53
Shorts
How smart people say "we must win" | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
In the same boat meaning | English from movies
-
00:49
Shorts
How smart people say 'I hate this place' | English from movies
-
00:48
Shorts
Pull the plug meaning | English from movies
-
00:52
Shorts
Boys vs girls: ordering dessert in English | English from movies
-
00:53
Shorts
Boys vs girls: preparing for an interview | English from movies