Sometimes a conversation has run its course, but you can’t get away just yet.
It’s awkward, annoying, and kind of exhausting. You don’t want to be rude, but you can think of a million and one things you’d rather be doing than continuing your chat. Instead of conveying just how bored and over it you are, you can make the best of a bad (or just not that great) situation by doing a few things to bring the conversation back to life — and hopefully help it draw to a natural conclusion.
1. Ask them questions that get them talking.
Instead of asking something flat like, “Did you enjoy the event?” throw in an open-ended question like, “What was your favourite part of the event?” That way, they’ve got room to share more than just a yes or no, and the conversation can stay interesting. These kinds of questions show you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, which can really open up the dialogue and help you avoid those awkward silences. Plus, they might feel more connected to you when they see their thoughts being valued.
2. Talk about yourself a little.
If the conversation feels like it’s a bit lopsided, share something personal to level things out. You might say, “I just started trying yoga—it’s much harder than I expected!” It not only gives the other person a chance to chip in with their own experiences but also shows you’re open. It doesn’t have to be anything deep—just something relatable that might encourage them to join in with their thoughts, too. This way, the chat feels more like a back-and-forth rather than one-sided.
3. Make an observation about what’s going on around you.
If you’re running out of things to talk about, look around and make a simple observation. You could say, “The design of this café is so cosy,” or “This weather has been amazing lately, hasn’t it?” It’s a simple trick that doesn’t require a lot of effort and gives both of you something neutral to talk about. It’s a way to get the conversation flowing again, especially if things have gone quiet or feel a bit tense. Plus, it keeps the topic light and easy to get into.
4. Find something you both have in common.
One of the best ways to get a conversation flowing is to find something you both enjoy. Maybe you’ve both been to the same concert or enjoy the same type of music. Once you spot that common ground, the conversation tends to pick up on its own. You’ll likely find that you start chatting more freely and openly when you hit on something that excites both of you. Even something small, like a shared love for a TV show or hobby, can really bring the energy back into the conversation.
5. Give everyone a chance to talk.
Sometimes, when there’s a lull in conversation, we might feel the need to fill the silence with our own stories. But that can unintentionally make the other person feel left out. Try pausing and asking them questions like, “What’s your take on that?” or “Have you ever experienced something similar?” It gives them a chance to chime in and creates a better balance between the two of you. When everyone feels like they have space to speak, it makes the conversation feel more engaging and less like a monologue.
6. Show genuine interest in what they’re saying.
Source: Unsplash The easiest way to keep a conversation alive is by showing real curiosity about the other person’s words. If they’re telling you about a trip they took, try asking, “What made you decide to go there?” or “How did you plan the whole thing?” People love to talk about their experiences, and when you show that you’re genuinely interested, they’ll often open up more. It keeps the conversation moving and shows you’re invested in what they’re saying.
7. Lighten the mood with a bit of banter.
When things are feeling too stiff or formal, a little bit of humour can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be a big joke, just a playful comment about the situation. For example, you could laugh about how you always seem to misplace your keys or tell a funny little mishap you had recently. A shared laugh helps break the ice and makes both of you feel more relaxed. It’s a simple way to reset the conversation and make it feel a lot more comfortable.
8. Pay attention to body language.
Body language can speak volumes when it comes to how a conversation is going. If they’re looking distracted or uncomfortable, it might be a sign the conversation isn’t clicking. You might want to change your tone or steer the topic in a different direction. On the flip side, if they’re leaning in, smiling, or maintaining eye contact, then you know they’re engaged. Being mindful of these cues allows you to adjust your approach and make sure you’re both on the same page.
9. Stick to safe, easy topics.
Source: Unsplash When the conversation feels like it’s dragging, it’s often best to stick to light, neutral topics—things that are easy for most people to talk about. Ask about a recent holiday, a new show they’re watching, or if they’ve tried any good restaurants lately. It keeps the chat relaxed and prevents it from veering into uncomfortable or controversial territory. These types of questions are non-threatening and give the other person a chance to share something enjoyable.
10. Throw in a sincere compliment.
Compliments can really help keep things going, as long as they’re genuine. It doesn’t have to be anything huge—something simple like, “Your scarf has such a unique design!” or “That presentation you gave was really well done.” Compliments show you’re paying attention and appreciating something about them, and they can often lead to the person opening up more about their thoughts or experiences.
11. Mention something going on in the world right now.
Source: Unsplash If you’re struggling to think of something to talk about, mentioning something current or trending can be a great way to get the conversation going. You could bring up a recent sporting event or the latest episode of a popular show. These types of topics give both of you something to easily weigh in on, and even if the person isn’t aware of it, they’ll likely ask questions or share their opinion, which keeps the discussion lively.
12. Tell a story that everyone can relate to.
Source: Unsplash If you’re finding the conversation hard to keep alive, sharing a relatable, funny anecdote can make all the difference. Maybe you tried a new workout class and ended up sore for days, or you had a funny encounter at the supermarket. These stories make you seem more approachable and give the other person something they can relate to. Plus, it helps shift the conversation into a more personal, engaging direction.
13. Acknowledge the quiet moments.
Source: Unsplash Silence doesn’t always need to be awkward. Sometimes, just acknowledging it can help move things forward. You could say, “I feel like we’ve covered a lot already,” which shows you’re aware of the moment and comfortable with it. It lets you both take a breath, reflect on what’s been said, and possibly shift the conversation into a fresh direction. Recognising silence can make it feel natural instead of something to avoid.
14. Make smooth topic transitions.
Source: Unsplash If the topic you’re on has run its course, it’s time to switch things up. Try bringing up something related, like, “Speaking of food, have you tried any new restaurants recently?” It makes the transition feel seamless and keeps the flow going without feeling too abrupt. Changing topics thoughtfully ensures the conversation remains fresh and engaging, without feeling forced.
15. End on a positive note.
Source: Unsplash When it’s time to say goodbye, finish off with something upbeat like, “This was really great, I’m glad we got to catch up,” or “Thanks for the chat, it’s been really nice!” A positive ending leaves a good impression and makes both of you feel appreciated. It also opens the door for future conversations, ensuring that both of you part ways on a friendly, upbeat note.
