90+ Ideas On What To Say When You Don't Know What To Say

90+ Ideas On What To Say When You Donโ€™t Know What To Say

โ€œWhat to say when you donโ€™t know what to say?โ€ We all know that most of the time we will get into situations where we are stuck and do not know what to say.

But donโ€™t worry if you feel that you are in that situation, then you donโ€™t need to worry about it.

Because here we are giving you my 90+ ideas that will help you to come out of that situation in a good way.

Here are the best tips that you need to keep in your mind when you are not able to say anything or when you are in a situation where you donโ€™t know what to say.

What To Say When You Donโ€™t Know What To Say? [In Any Situation]

The first thing that will come into our mind when we will think about talking to a new person is, โ€œwhat should I say?โ€.

You will find the answers to your questions on the Internet but you should also find the answer in real life.

Talking is a part of human nature, and talking is the only way to express yourself and the feelings that you have.

When You Have No Idea What To Say

But the question is, โ€œWhat should I say when I donโ€™t know what to say?โ€.

You can use these phrases whenever you feel that you have no idea about what to say:

  • โ€œI really enjoy this conversation. I havenโ€™t talked to anyone for such a long time.โ€
  • โ€œThis is a nice place, isnโ€™t it?โ€
  • โ€œHow do you like the place?โ€
  • โ€œHi. Itโ€™s been a long time since I last talked to someone. How are you doing?โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s so quiet here, isnโ€™t it?โ€
  • โ€œHow do you feel when you talk to me?โ€
  • โ€œDo you know what this means?โ€
  • โ€œCan you understand my point of view?โ€

When Texting

Many a time you get stuck when you need to text a person. You have nothing to say at the beginning of your text.

If you are a beginner, it is okay because you still can start with small words.

Letโ€™s try these phrases:

  • โ€œItโ€™s been a while. How have you been?โ€
  • โ€œI was wondering why you didnโ€™t text me back!โ€
  • โ€œLetโ€™s meet soon, it will be fun to get to know each other better.โ€
  • โ€œWhy did you change your Facebook picture?โ€
  • โ€œHow are you? How has the work been?โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t understand. Could you please let me know whatโ€™s happening?โ€
  • โ€œWhatโ€™s new?โ€
When You Need To Say Anything In a Text

In a Meeting

When you are in a meeting and feel like you donโ€™t know what to talk about, remember that every topic has its own benefits.

As a matter of fact, if you find the same things to talk about in a meeting, then it will mean that you donโ€™t know what to talk about.

When you are in a meeting and you hear that you are not saying anything, you can say these phrases:

  • โ€œI have nothing to add. Letโ€™s move on to the next topic.โ€
  • โ€œLetโ€™s discuss this more on our lunch break.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t think itโ€™s time for us to talk about this yet.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t know where to start. Is there anyone in the room who can suggest anything?โ€
  • โ€œDo you think we should continue with the idea or drop it?โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t know where to begin, I am not sure if I should ask questions first or start talking about myselfโ€.
  • โ€œCould you give me some input on that?โ€
  • โ€œIs there anything else you want to talk about?โ€
When You Are In a Meeting Thinking What To Say

In an Interview

An interview will not work out if you stay silent. You need to participate in the interview even if you are not comfortable.

This will increase your confidence. You should talk only about topics that you know.

If you donโ€™t have much to say, you can say these phrases:

  • โ€œI am sorry but I did not catch that. Could you repeat it again, please?โ€
  • โ€œI didnโ€™t understand the question. Please rephrase it.โ€
  • โ€œI am sorry, I was not paying attention. Please elaborate on that.โ€
  • โ€œI am very interested in the job you mentioned. What is the next step?โ€
  • โ€œI would love to work with you because you have such interesting ideas. Please let me know how I can be part of this process.โ€
  • โ€œI would like to discuss a few topics with you. Let me know if this is okay with you.โ€
  • โ€œCan you tell me more about that?
  • โ€œI am sorry, I donโ€™t know the answer to this questionโ€.
  • โ€œI would like to have more time to think about this.
When You Are In an Interview

When Someone Dies

We almost lost words when we hear that someone has died.

In reality, we use a set of special words and phrases when we encounter someone who has died.

They help us keep our emotions under control and make us sound professional.

Here are some expressions that can be used:

  • โ€œI am sorry to hear about your lossโ€
  • โ€œI hope your family finds peaceโ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s a shame he/she had to die so young.โ€
  • โ€œHow are you holding up?โ€
  • โ€œHow do you feel about the loss?โ€
  • โ€œIโ€™m sorry for your loss.โ€
  • โ€œWhat can we do to help?โ€
  • โ€œI wish I could do something to bring her back to life.โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s not the end of the worldโ€
  • โ€œWe are here for you in case you need usโ€
  • โ€œI feel for you, I know it must be tough for you.โ€
What You Should Say When Someone Dies

For a Good News

It is obvious that when we get to know the good news, we will feel happy and excited.

But sometimes we are not mood for celebrations and we stay silent.

In this case, we have to come out with an appropriate expression.

Some examples are:

  • โ€œI canโ€™t believe you have done that!โ€
  • โ€œWhat an achievement!โ€
  • โ€œThis is fantastic newsโ€
  • โ€œThis is the best news Iโ€™ve heard in a long time.โ€
  • โ€œThank you for the wonderful news.โ€
  • โ€œWhat a wonderful surprise!โ€
  • โ€œI am happy for you!โ€
  • โ€œI am looking forward to this!โ€
  • โ€œI was worried about you. I am glad that you are all right.โ€
When Someone Gives You a Good News

For a Bad News

It is important to figure out an appropriate response to bad news.

When we receive bad news we will feel very sad and depressed. It is also important to understand the emotional state of the other person.

For example, if you get to know that someone close to you has got injured, you will probably feel very sad and distressed.

So, you have to be careful in conveying your feelings.

Some examples are:

  • โ€œIโ€™m sorry to hear about the news.โ€
  • โ€œLet me know if there is anything I can do for you.โ€
  • โ€œDonโ€™t worry, everything will be fine.โ€
  • โ€œBe brave, I am sure everything will be all right.โ€
  • โ€œI am not at all happy about it.โ€
  • โ€œI think you have made a big mistake.โ€
  • โ€œThere is nothing I can tell you at the moment.โ€
How To React When You Hear A Bad News

What To Say When You Really Donโ€™t Know What To Say

To a Stranger

We get tongue-tied all the time whenever we are communicating with strangers.

We may not know exactly what to say. This can happen to us because the stranger may not be familiar to us.

Therefore, it becomes very difficult to communicate with him or her.

Some tips that can help us when we are talking to strangers are as follows:

  • โ€œExcuse me, please let me know what I should reply.โ€
  • โ€œPlease excuse me, but can I ask you something?โ€
  • โ€œYou look like you are very happy today.โ€
  • โ€œHello, I am so glad to meet you.โ€
  • โ€œDo you live near here?โ€
  • โ€œMay I know how can I help you?โ€
  • โ€œYou seem like a very good man/woman.โ€
What To Say When You Meet Someone For First Time

During an Awkward Silence

An awkward silence in a conversation usually occurs when one of the participants does not know what to say next.

Sometimes, such an event can occur even when two people are conversing with each other.

There are some tips that can be used to break an awkward silence.

These tips include:

  • โ€œI have to make a call, can I come back in a while?โ€
  • โ€œI think this weather is very beautiful.โ€
  • โ€œI think I need some fresh air.โ€
  • โ€œWhat did you study in college?โ€
  • โ€œWhat kind of work do you do?โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s been so long since we last met.โ€
  • โ€œThis place is wonderful. Do you like it?โ€
What To Say During Awkward Silence

When Someone Thanks You

You feel appreciated when someone thanks you for something.

Obviously, it will become awkward if you are silent and someone is thanking you.

So, to avoid this situation you must try and respond.ย 

Here are some tips to help you when someone thanks you and you have nothing to say:

  • โ€œYou are welcome.โ€
  • โ€œPleasure is all mine.โ€
  • โ€œDonโ€™t mention it.โ€
  • โ€œNo problem.โ€
  • โ€œThank you for your kind words.โ€
  • โ€œNo need to thank me.โ€
  • โ€œI have enjoyed it very much.โ€

When Somone Apologizes

Our heart gets melt when we hear someone apologizing. We donโ€™t know the exact words to say at that time.

But itโ€™s also important for you to not remain silent. We must show a positive response.

It makes us feel better and gives us the confidence to continue talking to the person.

Here are some things that you should say when someone apologizes:

  • โ€œLetโ€™s just forget about it.โ€
  • โ€œI understand your point of view.โ€
  • โ€œI am sorry if I caused you any harm.โ€
  • โ€œI hope you are not offended.โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s OK, donโ€™t worry about it.โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s okay, I understand.โ€
  • โ€œNo need to apologize.โ€
What To Reply When Someone Apologizes

In an Inappropriate Topic

No one likes to be talked about. It can make people feel uncomfortable.

Itโ€™s good to tell people when they are making you feel uneasy by talking about inappropriate topics.

But what if you donโ€™t know what to say on an inappropriate topic? You should say something like:

  • โ€œDonโ€™t talk about that!โ€
  • โ€œYou shouldnโ€™t talk about that.โ€
  • โ€œThat is my personal business. Please donโ€™t ask me about it.โ€
  • โ€œPlease donโ€™t talk about that to me.โ€
  • โ€œLetโ€™s discuss something else.โ€
  • โ€œStop asking me about that.โ€
  • โ€œCan we discuss this later?โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s not your business.โ€

To Exit a Conversation

When you are stuck in a conversation or if you are in a situation where you donโ€™t want to say anything, try to exit the conversation.

Sometimes you donโ€™t have to say anything at all.

Here are some other phrases you can use:

  • โ€œIโ€™m sorry, but I think weโ€™ve talked enough.โ€
  • โ€œItโ€™s time for us to go.โ€
  • โ€œI think I should leave.โ€
  • โ€œIโ€™m late for another appointment, so I have to go.โ€
  • โ€œI will call you tomorrow.โ€
  • โ€œThank you for your time.โ€
  • โ€œThank you, Iโ€™ll see you around.โ€

When Someone Is Sick

When a friend is sick and you just came to him/her.

Sometimes we donโ€™t get the exact words to say to a sick person and donโ€™t realize how sick others are feeling.

If you have someone who seems to be sick, you might find that saying:

  • โ€œHow are you doing?โ€
  • โ€œAre you feeling better now?โ€
  • โ€œHow are you feeling?โ€
  • โ€œAre you alright?โ€
  • โ€œDo you feel better?โ€
  • โ€œAre you getting well?โ€
  • โ€œAre you OK?โ€
  • โ€œWhatโ€™s wrong?โ€
  • โ€œIs there anything I can do for you?โ€
  • โ€œI hope you are taking care of yourself better.โ€

What To Reply When You Donโ€™t Know What To Say

Sometime falling into awkward situation can be so terrifying and when things comes in an unexpected manner, then this a tricky situation. In this section, Iโ€™ll be covering some of the similar situation which you might fall into and you donโ€™t know what to reply and how to react.

Letโ€™s cover some of these โ€“

When Someone You Just Met

Itโ€™s not always easy to start a conversation with the person you just met.

It also becomes hard to utter a word when you donโ€™t know the person very well.

We also donโ€™t know if he or she is friendly or unfriendly.

In this case, it helps to say something like:

  • โ€œWhat brings you here?โ€
  • โ€œAre you new here?โ€
  • โ€œWe havenโ€™t met before, right?โ€
  • โ€œDo you work here?โ€
  • โ€œHow long have you lived here?โ€
  • โ€œWhat do you do for a living?โ€
  • โ€œNice to meet you. My name isโ€ฆ.โ€
  • โ€œPlease, letโ€™s get to know each other.โ€
  • โ€œWelcome to my house. Please make yourself comfortable.โ€

What to Say When You Talk to Your Self โ€“ Paperback

  • Keep Yourself Positive
  • Find The Better You
  • Helps In Decision To Change
  • Take Back Control Of Your Life

When Your Mind Goes Blank

Every time your mind goes blankย you feel like you have nothing to say.

You have to quickly come up with something to say.

Here are some ways to help you overcome this situation:

  • โ€œExcuse me, what did you say?โ€
  • โ€œLet me hear you again.โ€
  • โ€œCan you repeat what you said?โ€
  • โ€œI canโ€™t remember what I was going to say.โ€
  • โ€œI canโ€™t recall what I want to say.โ€
  • โ€œI canโ€™t come up with an idea.โ€
  • โ€œI canโ€™t think of anything.โ€
  • โ€œLetโ€™s discuss this some other time.โ€

When You Have Nothing To Talk About

This is a common situation.

People usually have conversations in their workplace, school, or college where they have something to talk about.

If you do not know the topic or you are not interested in talking about something, say something like:

  • โ€œI donโ€™t know what youโ€™re talking about.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t see a point in discussing this topic. What do you think?โ€
  • โ€œDo you have any plans for the weekend?โ€
  • โ€œTell me what happened at work.โ€
  • โ€œTell me what you have been up to lately.โ€

What to Say When You Donโ€™t Know What to Say โ€“ Paper Book

  • Understand The Confusion and Emotions
  • Decide What To Say and What Not To Say
  • Choose What You Can Do Immediately
  • Give Encouragement During Depression

When You Donโ€™t Understand Anything

It is often that when people talk, they are just speaking about things they do not understand.

It may be because you do not know the person well enough, or you are not interested in learning more about what the person is saying.

In such situations, you should try to ask questions. For example, you can say:

  • โ€œCan you explain this to me?โ€
  • โ€œWhat does this mean?โ€
  • โ€œTell me more about this.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t understand what youโ€™re trying to say.โ€
  • โ€œYou mean?โ€
  • โ€œI canโ€™t follow what you are saying.โ€

When You Canโ€™t Figure Out What To Speak

In some situations, you cannot figure out what to speak about.

If you are not good at making conversation, and you feel uncomfortable while talking, you should simply say:

  • โ€œIโ€™m not sure what to talk about.โ€
  • โ€œIโ€™m not really interested in talking.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t know what I can say.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t have anything interesting to talk about.โ€
  • โ€œI donโ€™t feel like talking right now.โ€
  • โ€œIโ€™m having trouble thinking about what to talk about.โ€
  • โ€œIโ€™m having a bad day.โ€

How Do I Overcome the โ€œI donโ€™t know what to say โ€“ Syndromeโ€?

How Do I Overcome the I don't know what to say - Syndrome

There is no need to think too hard. It is often that when we are nervous, we do not come up with any ideas.

However, we can try to imagine that we are at a party or a social event, and we are listening to people talking about different topics.

Then, we can try to figure out what topic you could discuss with those people.

You might want to write down all your ideas. Then, it will become easier to choose what to say.

Here are some tips to help you overcome the โ€œI donโ€™t know what to say โ€“ syndromeโ€:

Say Something Funny

When you donโ€™t know what to say, it is the best option to go for something funny.

It will give a good impression and make you look confident.

Donโ€™t Be Afraid To Compliment Someone

When you compliment someone then it will make them feel good and it will also make you look more confident.

If you have been complimented then it will make you look even more confident.

Always Smile

Smiling is a way to communicate happiness and it makes others feel happy too.

If you are not able to smile then try to fake a smile, it will help you to get out of the situation in a good way.

Always Make Eye Contact

If you are in a situation where you donโ€™t know what to say then you can easily make the conversation to be a better one by looking at the personโ€™s eyes.

It will make the person feel comfortable and it will also make you look more confident.

Talk About Something You Both Share

If you donโ€™t share anything with the person then he/she will think that you are not interesting to talk to.

So, it is better to talk about something that you both share.

Ask Questions

This is the most common thing to do.

You can ask questions to the person and see whether he or she likes to talk.

You can ask about the personโ€™s family, hobbies, etc.

Make a Conversation

This is a good opportunity to learn about the person.

Try to talk to the person and see whether you can make a conversation.

If the person is silent, you can speak more and if the person is talking, you can listen to what he or she says.

FAQs

How do I keep a conversation going?

There are many techniques for doing so. You can use simple ones such as โ€˜Tell me about your family. Or you can use complicated ones such as โ€˜What do you like doing for fun?โ€™ or โ€˜Do you have any questions about my profile?โ€™. There are also many other things that you can do. But you need to be smart about what you say and how to talk to people.

How do you start a conversation?

To start a conversation, you can smile at them first. If they smile back, you can talk to them by asking their name. You can also tell them about yourself. And then, if you like, you can ask questions to know about them.

How do I get better at talking to people?

The main thing is not to be nervous, and not to be afraid of making mistakes. And the most important thing is to make eye contact with people. Try to be as sincere as you can, even if you donโ€™t feel like it. And smile often. And when someone smiles back at you, give a little smile back. It will help you relax more.

Whatโ€™s good small talk?

Good small talk is like a conversation between two people who donโ€™t know each other very well, who donโ€™t have much to say, but who are able to communicate and smile.

Conclusion

So, next time if you think about what to say in a situation where you think you have nothing to say, youโ€™ll probably come up with something.

These phrases and tips I shared in the article will help you have a conversation easily.

So, try them out and share your thoughts with us in our comments section below.

You may also like:

What To Say When Giving A Gift? [11 Good Phrases]

What Do You Say When Someone Likes Your Gift? [55 Phrases]

How To Say Hope You Will Like The Gift [21 Beautiful Ways]

How To Say Thank You For an Unexpected Gift [40 Easy Ways]

Your friendly neighborhood. I do SEO (Freelance Content Writer), and sometimes I cook food.

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