In a lively American conversation, people don't raise hands or wait for a long pause. If you wait for perfect silence, the topic moves on and you never speak. But if you just jump in with "Stop, I want to say," it can sound rude. In this episode: • Getting a turn • When two people start at once • Keeping your turn kindly • Handing over, getting back on track, changing topic • Scene: family dinner • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Can I just say something? — I'd like to add a point (neutral) Sorry to interrupt, but... — polite way to cut in (polite) Sorry, can I jump in here? — may I join the talk? (casual) Real quick... — I'll be short (casual) Can I add something? — I have one more idea (neutral) Hey, quick question. — I need your attention for a moment (casual) Excuse me, do you have a sec? — is this a good moment? (polite) Sorry, go ahead. — you speak first (neutral) No, you go. — please, you first (casual) You first. — you speak first (casual) Oh, sorry, you were saying? — please continue (polite) Hang on, let me just finish this. — please wait a moment (casual) One sec. — wait one second (casual) Hold that thought. — remember your idea; you'll say it soon (casual) Just one more thing. — I'm almost done (neutral) Let me finish, and then you go. — I'll be quick (neutral) What do you think? — your opinion, please (neutral) How about you? — and you? (casual) What about you, Leo? — name the next speaker (casual) Anyway, as I was saying... — back to my point (neutral) Where was I? — I lost my place (casual) Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.