How to snap

Have you ever been in a conversation where a friend suddenly seems to zone out or change the subject? Perhaps you’re sharing something important or exciting, and instead of engaging, they say, “What?” This moment can feel frustrating and confusing, leaving you to wonder whether it was something you said, or if they were simply not paying attention. Understanding the reasons behind this can help improve your communication and strengthen your relationships, so let’s dive into why this happens and how to navigate these situations effectively.

To snap and insert a new topic during a conversation, one can gently pivot the discussion by saying something like, “Oh, by the way, did you hear about…?” This introduces a new subject without making the other person feel dismissed.

In more detail, people may say “What?” during conversations for various reasons. It could be due to genuine confusion or distraction, where they might not have heard or processed what was said. Perhaps there’s background noise or they’re preoccupied with their own thoughts. In these cases, it’s often beneficial to clarify your statement or repeat it more clearly. If they are deliberately changing the topic, it could be a sign of disinterest or discomfort with the subject matter. Here, one might choose to address the change or seamlessly transition into a lighter, mutually engaging topic. It’s essential to maintain an open dialogue–asking them what they’re interested in discussing can re-engage them in a more effective manner.