โWhat to say when you donโt 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 donโt worry if you feel that you are in that situation, then you donโt 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 donโt know what to say.
Contents
What To Say When You Donโt 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, โwhat 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.
But the question is, โWhat should I say when I donโt know what to say?โ.
You can use these phrases whenever you feel that you have no idea about what to say:
- โI really enjoy this conversation. I havenโt talked to anyone for such a long time.โ
- โThis is a nice place, isnโt it?โ
- โHow do you like the place?โ
- โHi. Itโs been a long time since I last talked to someone. How are you doing?โ
- โItโs so quiet here, isnโt it?โ
- โHow do you feel when you talk to me?โ
- โDo you know what this means?โ
- โCan 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.
Letโs try these phrases:
- โItโs been a while. How have you been?โ
- โI was wondering why you didnโt text me back!โ
- โLetโs meet soon, it will be fun to get to know each other better.โ
- โWhy did you change your Facebook picture?โ
- โHow are you? How has the work been?โ
- โI donโt understand. Could you please let me know whatโs happening?โ
- โWhatโs new?โ
In a Meeting
When you are in a meeting and feel like you donโt 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 donโt 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:
- โI have nothing to add. Letโs move on to the next topic.โ
- โLetโs discuss this more on our lunch break.โ
- โI donโt think itโs time for us to talk about this yet.โ
- โI donโt know where to start. Is there anyone in the room who can suggest anything?โ
- โDo you think we should continue with the idea or drop it?โ
- โI donโt know where to begin, I am not sure if I should ask questions first or start talking about myselfโ.
- โCould you give me some input on that?โ
- โIs there anything else you want to talk about?โ
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 donโt have much to say, you can say these phrases:
- โI am sorry but I did not catch that. Could you repeat it again, please?โ
- โI didnโt understand the question. Please rephrase it.โ
- โI am sorry, I was not paying attention. Please elaborate on that.โ
- โI am very interested in the job you mentioned. What is the next step?โ
- โI 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
- โI would like to discuss a few topics with you. Let me know if this is okay with you.โ
- โCan you tell me more about that?
- โI am sorry, I donโt know the answer to this questionโ.
- โI would like to have more time to think about this.
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:
- โI am sorry to hear about your lossโ
- โI hope your family finds peaceโ
- โItโs a shame he/she had to die so young.โ
- โHow are you holding up?โ
- โHow do you feel about the loss?โ
- โIโm sorry for your loss.โ
- โWhat can we do to help?โ
- โI wish I could do something to bring her back to life.โ
- โItโs not the end of the worldโ
- โWe are here for you in case you need usโ
- โI feel for you, I know it must be tough for you.โ
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:
- โI canโt believe you have done that!โ
- โWhat an achievement!โ
- โThis is fantastic newsโ
- โThis is the best news Iโve heard in a long time.โ
- โThank you for the wonderful news.โ
- โWhat a wonderful surprise!โ
- โI am happy for you!โ
- โI am looking forward to this!โ
- โI was worried about you. I am glad that you are all right.โ
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:
- โIโm sorry to hear about the news.โ
- โLet me know if there is anything I can do for you.โ
- โDonโt worry, everything will be fine.โ
- โBe brave, I am sure everything will be all right.โ
- โI am not at all happy about it.โ
- โI think you have made a big mistake.โ
- โThere is nothing I can tell you at the moment.โ
What To Say When You Really Donโt 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:
- โExcuse me, please let me know what I should reply.โ
- โPlease excuse me, but can I ask you something?โ
- โYou look like you are very happy today.โ
- โHello, I am so glad to meet you.โ
- โDo you live near here?โ
- โMay I know how can I help you?โ
- โYou seem like a very good man/woman.โ
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:
- โI have to make a call, can I come back in a while?โ
- โI think this weather is very beautiful.โ
- โI think I need some fresh air.โ
- โWhat did you study in college?โ
- โWhat kind of work do you do?โ
- โItโs been so long since we last met.โ
- โThis place is wonderful. Do you like it?โ
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:
- โYou are welcome.โ
- โPleasure is all mine.โ
- โDonโt mention it.โ
- โNo problem.โ
- โThank you for your kind words.โ
- โNo need to thank me.โ
- โI have enjoyed it very much.โ
When Somone Apologizes
Our heart gets melt when we hear someone apologizing. We donโt know the exact words to say at that time.
But itโs 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:
- โLetโs just forget about it.โ
- โI understand your point of view.โ
- โI am sorry if I caused you any harm.โ
- โI hope you are not offended.โ
- โItโs OK, donโt worry about it.โ
- โItโs okay, I understand.โ
- โNo need to apologize.โ
In an Inappropriate Topic
No one likes to be talked about. It can make people feel uncomfortable.
Itโs good to tell people when they are making you feel uneasy by talking about inappropriate topics.
But what if you donโt know what to say on an inappropriate topic? You should say something like:
- โDonโt talk about that!โ
- โYou shouldnโt talk about that.โ
- โThat is my personal business. Please donโt ask me about it.โ
- โPlease donโt talk about that to me.โ
- โLetโs discuss something else.โ
- โStop asking me about that.โ
- โCan we discuss this later?โ
- โItโs not your business.โ
To Exit a Conversation
When you are stuck in a conversation or if you are in a situation where you donโt want to say anything, try to exit the conversation.
Sometimes you donโt have to say anything at all.
Here are some other phrases you can use:
- โIโm sorry, but I think weโve talked enough.โ
- โItโs time for us to go.โ
- โI think I should leave.โ
- โIโm late for another appointment, so I have to go.โ
- โI will call you tomorrow.โ
- โThank you for your time.โ
- โThank you, Iโll see you around.โ
When Someone Is Sick
When a friend is sick and you just came to him/her.
Sometimes we donโt get the exact words to say to a sick person and donโt realize how sick others are feeling.
If you have someone who seems to be sick, you might find that saying:
- โHow are you doing?โ
- โAre you feeling better now?โ
- โHow are you feeling?โ
- โAre you alright?โ
- โDo you feel better?โ
- โAre you getting well?โ
- โAre you OK?โ
- โWhatโs wrong?โ
- โIs there anything I can do for you?โ
- โI hope you are taking care of yourself better.โ
What To Reply When You Donโt 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, Iโll be covering some of the similar situation which you might fall into and you donโt know what to reply and how to react.
Letโs cover some of these โ
When Someone You Just Met
Itโs not always easy to start a conversation with the person you just met.
It also becomes hard to utter a word when you donโt know the person very well.
We also donโt know if he or she is friendly or unfriendly.
In this case, it helps to say something like:
- โWhat brings you here?โ
- โAre you new here?โ
- โWe havenโt met before, right?โ
- โDo you work here?โ
- โHow long have you lived here?โ
- โWhat do you do for a living?โ
- โNice to meet you. My name isโฆ.โ
- โPlease, letโs get to know each other.โ
- โWelcome 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:
- โExcuse me, what did you say?โ
- โLet me hear you again.โ
- โCan you repeat what you said?โ
- โI canโt remember what I was going to say.โ
- โI canโt recall what I want to say.โ
- โI canโt come up with an idea.โ
- โI canโt think of anything.โ
- โLetโs 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:
- โI donโt know what youโre talking about.โ
- โI donโt see a point in discussing this topic. What do you think?โ
- โDo you have any plans for the weekend?โ
- โTell me what happened at work.โ
- โTell me what you have been up to lately.โ
What to Say When You Donโt 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 Donโt 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:
- โCan you explain this to me?โ
- โWhat does this mean?โ
- โTell me more about this.โ
- โI donโt understand what youโre trying to say.โ
- โYou mean?โ
- โI canโt follow what you are saying.โ
When You Canโt 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:
- โIโm not sure what to talk about.โ
- โIโm not really interested in talking.โ
- โI donโt know what I can say.โ
- โI donโt have anything interesting to talk about.โ
- โI donโt feel like talking right now.โ
- โIโm having trouble thinking about what to talk about.โ
- โIโm having a bad day.โ
How Do I Overcome the โI donโt know what to say โ Syndromeโ?
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 โI donโt know what to say โ syndromeโ:
Say Something Funny
When you donโt 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.
Donโt 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 donโt know what to say then you can easily make the conversation to be a better one by looking at the personโs eyes.
It will make the person feel comfortable and it will also make you look more confident.
If you donโt 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 personโs 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 โTell me about your family. Or you can use complicated ones such as โWhat do you like doing for fun?โ or โDo 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 donโt feel like it. And smile often. And when someone smiles back at you, give a little smile back. It will help you relax more.
Whatโs good small talk?
Good small talk is like a conversation between two people who donโt know each other very well, who donโt 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, youโll 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.
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