Conversation Gambits, Real English Conversation Practices, Keller E., Warner S.T.
The main way we make our conversation sound natural is by using 'gambits' A gambit is a word or phrase which helps us to express what we are trying to say. For example, we use gambits to introduce a topic of conversation; to link what we have to say to what someone has just said; to agree or disagree; to respond to what we have heard. In one sense, a gambit has very little meaning — it does not express an opinion; it may only introduce the opinion. On the other hand, if we never use gambits in our conversation, other people will think we are very direct, abrupt, and even rude — they will get a wrong picture of us as people So gambits are full of meaning. They show our attitude to the person we are speaking to and to what (s)he is saying.