“I really have to go now.”
Tips and tricks for escaping conversations with talkers
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Sometimes it catches you cold: your mother at daycare, a colleague at the coffee machine or an acquaintance in the supermarket will smack you in the face – no chance of getting away, let alone contributing anything to the conversation. But what to do if this happens regularly? We have solutions.
Some people just don’t notice when it’s getting too much, when it’s inappropriate, or when they do 90 percent of the conversation themselves, while the other person can only throw in a tired nod every now and then. But how do you get out of this situation if the:die ear chewers:in just doesn’t notice it and even more important: How do you manage to arm yourself for the next time so that you don’t get caught in the clutches of a:one talker: in device?
We thought about it and collected a few strategies.
You can do this when it’s already too late and you’re already in the middle of the “conversation”.
1. For the brave: interrupt politely
You can gently interrupt the person and say that you’re happy to listen, but that you also want to contribute. If everything has already been said on the topic, you can also suggest talking about something else.
2. Take control: ask questions
If the main thing that bores you is the topic, ask questions that will steer the conversation in a direction that interests you more. In the best case, it will then also be more exciting and balanced.
3. Send signals: Use your body language
Make it clear that you also want to say something. Make eye contact, nod occasionally, or smile.
4. Escape Forward: Break up
If you don’t like the person from the bottom up or you simply never get a chance to speak and your opinion is therefore not asked for, your time is simply too good for such “conversations”. Say goodbye quickly, or say politely but firmly that you don’t want to talk right now and would rather be alone. Of course in a respectful way.
So that it doesn’t get that far: This is how you avoid frequent speakers
1. Excuses: Preparation is everything
If you see the situation coming and don’t even want to talk to the person, it’s best to have a plausible excuse ready as to why you don’t have time right now. An appointment at work, for example, an appointment or an important call that you have to answer now and that you are welcome to speak to another time.
2. Set clear boundaries
If the person is inappropriate or pushy, you can make it clear that you don’t want to talk to them. But even with nice people, you can signal from the start that you only have limited time or other things to do and end the conversation promptly.
3. The classic: Avoid
If possible, try to avoid the person. Depending on the situation, you have to assess whether the effort is worth it or whether it stresses you out even more.
4. Diversionary tactics
Bring up a topic that doesn’t interest the other person or involve other people in your conversation. Most of the time, talking a lot will regulate itself and you can say goodbye in good time.
5. And if it is the boss? Diplomacy is key
If the chatterbox is an important business partner or boss, you should be diplomatic to avoid jeopardizing the relationship. For example, you can politely suggest bringing the conversation to the point or providing a summary to close the conversation.