Conversational Moves Vocabulary

redirecting conversation to a more favorable topic

“That's an interesting point. What's really at stake here is...”

Origin: From 'pivoting' to change direction

connecting the current topic to your key message

“That reminds me of a broader issue we should address...”

Origin: From bridging between topics

referencing something said earlier to create connection

“Going back to what you said about trust—I think that's key here.”

Origin: From comedy technique of returning to earlier material

presenting the same situation in a different light

“Rather than seeing this as a problem, what if we saw it as an opportunity?”

Origin: From reframing a picture—same content, different frame

repeating key words to show understanding and encourage elaboration

“You felt blindsided? (They: Yes, completely blindsided...)”

Origin: From reflecting back what was said

naming the other's emotion to validate and defuse it

“It sounds like you're frustrated by the lack of communication.”

Origin: From giving a name to unnamed feelings

condensing what's been said to confirm understanding

“So if I'm hearing you correctly, your main concerns are...”

Origin: From summarizing to verify alignment

strategic silence that invites the other to fill the space

“After asking a tough question, don't rescue them. Wait.”

Origin: From the power of deliberate silence

a question that can't be answered with yes or no

“What would success look like to you?”

Origin: From questions that 'open up' rather than close down

ending a conversation without awkwardness

“I should let you go. Let's pick this up next week.”

Origin: From exiting with grace and poise