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Phrases to Use When You Forget What You’re Talking About

Posted On: October 24, 2015

We’ve all had those moments… where out of the blue while talking our mind just goes blank and you forget what you are talking about?  

Have you ever started talking, and in the middle of your sentence forgot what you were saying? 

Don’t worry, it doesn’t just happen to you. You are not alone. It happens to everyone at some point regardless of speaking in your mother tongue or a second language. Many that come to Authentic Journeys fear that U.S. or foreign clients will think they do not know English if they lose their place while speaking. But, again remember that native speakers lose their place, too. (You are also a native speaker of some language, and I am sure you sometimes forget what you are talking about in your first language, right?) And they are supposed to know English! So, what can you do in these situations? It’s possible to use some cues, questions and statements, which can be used as a place holder while you transition into what you actually want to say (do avoid filler words, though). 

Lindsay and Michelle of All Ears English share their favorite phrases to use when their mind goes blank. Listen to the podcast below for their ideas.

If you are not able to see the embed, follow this link for the podcast.

In addition to Lindsay and Michelle’s ideas, some of my personal favorites also include:

• Where were we?
• Sorry, what was it we were just discussing?
• It just escaped me. Can you refresh my memory?

All Ears English is a cool podcast with native speakers speaking on various topics related to English language learning, IELTS preparation, and American culture. The podcasts are free and downloadable. To view the most current podcasts, visit the All Ears English website.