7 phrases to use when you’re feeling awkward in a conversation

Let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced those awkward moments in a conversation where we just don’t know what to say.

Feeling awkward can leave us feeling tongue-tied, flustered, and unsure of how to navigate the conversation.

The good news?

There’s a way out!

By using certain phrases, you can steer the conversation back to comfortable territory, or at least buy yourself some time to regroup.

I’m here to share with you 7 handy phrases to keep in your back pocket for those awkward silences or uncomfortable exchanges. These are phrases that will help you regain your composure and take control of the conversation.

1) “That’s really interesting…”

We’ve all been there, stuck in a conversation that’s taken a turn for the awkward. But don’t worry, there’s a simple way to regain your footing.

When the conversation starts to feel uncomfortable or you’re at a loss for words, try saying “That’s really interesting…”

Why does this phrase work?

It serves a dual purpose.

Firstly, it acknowledges what the other person is saying, showing them that you’re engaged and actively listening. This alone can help diffuse awkwardness.

Secondly, it provides you with an opportunity to steer the conversation in a direction you’re more comfortable with. After saying “That’s really interesting…” you can follow up with a related topic, question or even a personal anecdote.

However, you need to use this phrase genuinely. For this, just respond to something they’ve said that truly is intriguing or thought-provoking.

2) “Funny you should mention that…”

This one is a phrase that has saved me from many a sticky conversation.

It works wonders because it helps smoothly transition the conversation to a topic you’re more familiar with or comfortable discussing.

For instance, I remember once being at a social gathering where the conversation suddenly veered towards advanced calculus – a subject I know absolutely nothing about.

The awkwardness started creeping in as everyone shared their thoughts, and I had nothing to contribute.

Just when I was starting to feel out of my depth, someone mentioned how they used calculus in their gardening project to determine the right angles for sunlight.

Seeing my opportunity, I jumped in with, “Funny you should mention that…I’ve actually been thinking of starting my own little vegetable garden.”

Immediately, the topic switched from intimidating calculus to gardening, a topic I was much more comfortable discussing.

The phrase not only helped me steer clear of an awkward situation but also made me an active participant in the conversation again.

3) “I’ve heard that…”

The phrase “I’ve heard that…” is another great tool to have in your conversational toolbox. It’s a way to introduce new topics or angles into the conversation, and it also shows that you’re someone who keeps up with various subjects.

Here’s how you can use it:

Let’s say you’re in a conversation about health and fitness, but you’re feeling a bit out of your depth.

You might say, “I’ve heard that doing just 15 minutes of high-intensity interval training can burn more calories than an hour of regular exercise.”

This not only redirects the conversation towards a topic you might feel more comfortable discussing – like different types of exercises or workout routines – but it also provides a fresh and engaging fact for others to latch onto.

The key here is to ensure the information you share is accurate and relevant to the conversation.

This way, “I’ve heard that…” can help you navigate awkward conversational waters while also contributing something valuable to the discussion.

4) “I’m curious to know…”

Here’s another phrase that can be a real game-changer in awkward conversations: “I’m curious to know…”

This phrase is a great way to redirect the conversation, ask questions, and show genuine interest in the other person’s thoughts or experiences. It’s also a subtle way to buy yourself some time to regain your composure if you’re feeling flustered.

For instance, if someone is talking about a recent vacation they took and you’re feeling awkward because you haven’t traveled much recently, you could say, “I’m curious to know, what was your favorite part of the trip?”

That way, you’ll put the ball back in their court and allow them to share more about their experiences. Plus, it shows that you’re interested in their story, which can help strengthen your connection with them.

“I’m curious to know…” is a versatile phrase that can help you navigate tricky conversational waters while also building deeper connections with others.

5) “I’ve always struggled with…”

Let’s talk about a phrase that can help you show a bit of vulnerability while also changing the course of a conversation: “I’ve always struggled with…”

This is a phrase that I’ve found to be incredibly useful in various settings. It allows you to subtly change the topic while also showing that you’re human and have challenges just like everyone else.

For example, I was once at a party where people were talking about their love for cooking. As someone who’s always struggled with anything kitchen-related, I felt out of place.

Instead of letting the awkwardness get to me, I said, “I’ve always struggled with cooking, but I admire those who can whip up a meal with ease. How did you learn to cook so well?”

Suddenly, the conversation shifted from everyone’s favorite recipes to learning experiences, cooking fails, and funny kitchen anecdotes.

It made me feel more included and took off the pressure to contribute something culinary-focused.

6) “Can you tell me more about…”

Another powerful phrase to use when you’re feeling awkward in a conversation is “Can you tell me more about…”

This phrase works similarly to “I’m curious to know…”, but it gives the other person the floor in a more direct way.

It shows that you’re not just listening, but you’re truly interested in understanding more about their perspective or experiences.

Say, for example, someone’s discussing their love for vintage cars, and you know next to nothing about the subject. Instead of just smiling and nodding, you could say:

“Can you tell me more about why you love vintage cars? I don’t know much about them, but I’d love to understand.”

This approach can help transform an awkward situation into a learning opportunity. It also helps deepen your connection with the other person by showing your genuine interest in their passions or experiences.

So, when in doubt, lean into curiosity and ask, “Can you tell me more about…”

7) “I never thought of it that way…”

The ultimate phrase to diffuse awkwardness and foster connection is “I never thought of it that way…”

This phrase shows that you’re open-minded and willing to see things from different perspectives. It acknowledges the value of the other person’s viewpoint and encourages further conversation.

Perhaps someone shares an opinion or idea that you don’t necessarily agree with or understand.

Instead of falling into an awkward silence or starting a debate, you could respond with, “I never thought of it that way. Can you explain more?”

This response keeps the dialogue open, respectful, and engaging.

Thus, it’s a powerful tool for turning potentially awkward conversations into opportunities for growth and understanding.

Wrapping it up: The power of words

When it comes down to it, navigating awkward conversations is truly an art form, and words are our brush strokes.

The phrases we’ve explored play a crucial role in shaping our interactions, helping us steer clear of uncomfortable silences and turning them into opportunities for deeper connections.

But trust me, the most important thing isn’t the phrases themselves.

It’s the genuine curiosity, openness, and empathy behind them. And most importantly, being present in the conversation, showing interest in others’ perspectives, and being willing to share a bit of ourselves in return.

After all, every conversation is an opportunity for growth, understanding, and connection.

And with these phrases at your disposal, even the most awkward of conversations can become just that.