Going off the main subject, also known as digressing or straying from the topic, is a common occurrence in everyday conversations and in more formal settings such as lectures or presentations. While it can sometimes be beneficial to explore related or tangential ideas, it is important to maintain a balance and avoid straying too far from the main subject.
There are several reasons why people might go off the main subject. In casual conversations, it is natural for people to follow their thoughts and bring up related topics as they come to mind. This can be a way to add context or provide additional information on a subject, and can even lead to more interesting and engaging discussions.
However, in more formal settings such as presentations or lectures, going off the main subject can be a distraction and can disrupt the flow of the discussion. It is important for the speaker to stay on track and cover the material that they have planned, in order to effectively convey their message and meet their objectives.
One way to prevent going off the main subject is to have a clear outline or plan for the discussion. This can help the speaker stay focused and on track, and can also help the audience follow the discussion more easily. It is also helpful to periodically review the main points and remind the audience of the overall purpose of the discussion.
Another way to avoid going off the main subject is to actively listen to the speaker and stay engaged in the discussion. This can help prevent the temptation to bring up unrelated topics and can also help the listener better understand and retain the information being presented.
Overall, going off the main subject can sometimes be beneficial and lead to more interesting and engaging discussions. However, it is important to maintain a balance and avoid straying too far from the main subject, especially in formal settings where the speaker has a specific message to convey and specific objectives to meet.