Use By the way for an unrelated new topic, and Speaking of or While we're on the subject for a linked one.
Bringing in a new topic
Not ""Amina moved the meeting." (no signal, so it sounds abrupt)" — say ""By the way, Amina moved the meeting."". By the way signals a topic change, so the switch does not sound random.
Try it: Lars: The concert tickets arrived today. Mei: ___ concerts, The Neshom Note has a jazz night on Friday. Choose the words for the blank. (Speaking of / By the way / Anyway) Answer: Speaking of — Speaking of adds a new point linked to the topic just mentioned.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
By the way
By the way, Amina moved the meeting to Magaff Library.
Speaking of
Speaking of buses, the route to Ghafwick Station changed.
While we're on the subject
While we're on the subject, did you book the hotel?
"That reminds me"
Use That reminds me when the topic suddenly makes you remember a new thought or task; it is informal.
Not ""That remembers me, I need to call the dentist."" — say ""That reminds me, I need to call the dentist."". Something reminds you; you remember. The phrase is always That reminds me.
Try it: Yasmin: Let's meet on Friday to finalize the plan. Diego: ___, we should print the tickets before Friday. Choose the words for the blank. (That reminds me / Speaking of / On the other hand) Answer: That reminds me — That reminds me brings up something the last line made you remember.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
That reminds me
That reminds me, I need to return a book to Magaff Library.
Getting back to the point
Use Anyway or Getting back to + the topic to close a side topic and return to the main point; Anyway can sound dismissive.
Not ""Any way, we still need to choose a meeting time."" — say ""Anyway, we still need to choose a meeting time."". To steer back to the main topic, Anyway is one word.
Try it: Wei: ...and the weather's supposed to be lovely all week. Amina: ___, let's return to the plan for Senville Park. Choose the word for the blank. (Anyway / By the way / That reminds me) Answer: Anyway — Anyway closes the side topic and steers back to the main point.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
Anyway
Anyway, we still need to choose a meeting time.
Getting back to
Getting back to your question, yes, I can help.
Before I forget, on a different note
Use Before I forget to quickly add something you must say, and On a different note to move to an unrelated topic.
Try it: Mateo: So that's everything about the trip. Camila: Great. ___, your keys are still in my bag! Choose the words for the blank. (Before I forget / Before I'll forget / Before I forgot) Answer: Before I forget — Before I forget adds something you must say quickly; after before, use the present.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
Before I forget
Before I forget, the meeting starts at ten tomorrow.
On a different note
On a different note, how was your trip?
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"Amina moved the meeting." (no signal, so it sounds abrupt)
"By the way, Amina moved the meeting."
By the way signals a topic change, so the switch does not sound random.
"That remembers me, I need to call the dentist."
"That reminds me, I need to call the dentist."
Something reminds you; you remember. The phrase is always That reminds me.
"Any way, we still need to choose a meeting time."
"Anyway, we still need to choose a meeting time."
To steer back to the main topic, Anyway is one word.