Listening: Understanding Interactional Cues & Discourse B2 - Lesson 2: Understanding How Speakers Manage Topics (introducing, changing, closing)

B2 DISCOURSE

Topic Management

ការគ្រប់គ្រងប្រធានបទសន្ទនា

🎯 Scenario: Lunch Break.
Alex: Wants to chat about the weekend.
Jamie: Remembers urgent work and needs to leave.

Alex

"Speaking of..."
Used to introduce a new topic that is linked to something just mentioned (or implied). It makes the shift feel natural.

Jamie

"That reminds me!"
Used to abruptly change the topic because a thought just popped into your head. It signals a shift from "Social" to "Business".

Jamie

"Anyway..." + "I'd better..."
The classic pre-closing signal. "Anyway" marks the end of the current topic. "I'd better [action]" gives a polite reason to leave.

Discourse Markers & Functions:

"By the way..."

Used to introduce a new topic that is completely unrelated to the current one.

"On that note..."

Used to end a conversation or topic, often before leaving.

"Before I forget..."

Used to insert an important topic quickly before the conversation ends.

"Going back to..."

Used to return to a previous topic after a digression.

Identify the function of "Anyway":

Adding Detail

Adding more info to the story.

Closing / Signaling End

Preparing to stop talking or leave.

Disagreeing

Showing an opposite opinion.

Task: Polite Exit

You are stuck in a conversation about the weather. Write a sentence to **change the topic** to "The Meeting" or **close** the conversation politely.