Controlling a conversation

Sometimes, we don’t know how to start or structure our conversation. Imagine that you’re talking about 

the weather and you want to introduce another topic – how can you do it? How can you return to the previous topic of discussion? How can you interrupt someone politely? 

Learn how!

Here are some phrases that can help you: 

• I think = I suppose = I'm certain that... – я считаю...
• First of all – Во-первых...
• By the way – кстати 
• And then – и потом...
• Besides – Кроме этого 
• It seems to me that – Мне кажется, что...
• Generally speaking, ... = In general - говоря в общем...
• For example = For instance – Например 
• In any case = Anyway - в любом случае
• That's why = For this reason – Вот почему
• Frankly = Honestly = To be honest – Если честно...
• Finally – В конце концов 
• As a rule – Как правило 
• It may sound strange, but... = Oddly enough = The surprising thing is... - Может показаться  странным, но...
• Normally = usually = on the whole = generally – в целом, обычно
• Perhaps – Возможно 
• I doubt if... - Я не уверен что...
• In my opinion = To my mind = From my point of view = Personally, - По-моему, ...
• In a case/situation like this... - В таком случае...
• And another thing = What's more...– И еще ...
• Also = In addition = What’s more – И еще, в дополнение
• Don’t misunderstand me. – Не поймите меня неправильно...
• The fact of the matter is... - Дело в том, что...
• Let's get this straight. – Давайте разберемся. 
• That's not what I said! – Это совсем не то что я сказал! 
• In reality – На самом деле 
• I'm afraid... - Боюсь, что.. 
• Believe it or not – Хотите верьте, хотите нет
• To cut a long story short = In short = All in all – Короче говоря
• Oh, before I forgot = Oh, I almost forgot – Пока я не забыл! (Я чуть не забыл!) 
• In other words – другими словами 
• If I understand you correctly – Если я правильно вас понял 
• In short = All in all 
• What a shame. = Как жаль! 
• Sorry, what did you say? = Could you repeat that, please? = I didn't get the bit about... - Извините, я не расслышал ...

Now you know how to direct your conversation!

This video will help you speak English fluently and confidently! See if you can find our new phrases here!