Do you have a commitment but can't stop a conversation? You have no more topics to talk about? Or does your interlocutor not realize that you don't care at all to know what happened in the last episode of "The Walking Dead"? Here's how to break up a conversation in a polite way!
Steps
Step 1. Think about how the conversation started
Did you comment on something? Or was it your interlocutor who started it?
Step 2. If you started the conversation, then it's more important to be polite
You don't want the other person to think you are rude to interrupt a conversation that YOU have started?
Step 3. If you didn't initiate the conversation, wait for a break in the conversation
The pauses between one thought and another are the perfect time to tell the other person that you have another appointment. Note: to be courteous, you must wait for the interlocutor to express his thoughts to the end and not simply finish a sentence or say, for example: "Um …".
Step 4. Don't say anything rude
Simply say: "I'm sorry but I really have to leave now; see you later!".
Step 5. If the break you are expecting does not appear, wait for your interlocutor to rest for a second to breathe, then tell him very quickly - but politely - that you need to go to work and that you will hear from you later
Saying "See you later" is a polite way to interrupt the conversation, and it allows the person to organize their thoughts, shortening the conversation that follows.
Step 6. Think about the type of person you are addressing
For some people it is not a problem to let you go for a while, while others may wait to see you get in the car, go to class or even just to the bathroom before sending you a message. Only YOU can know the kind of person you are dealing with!
Step 7. Try to stay calm UNLESS your interlocutor is insulting or speaking ill of other people not present, or is seriously disrupting your life or work
Others need to understand that there are limits, and being too tolerant will make them think it is acceptable to monopolize your time. In some situations, good manners need to be put aside.
Advice
- Looking in the direction of an object EXCEPT AT THE CLOCK is a good technique for diverting a conversation. The key is to pretend you're completely absorbed and then suddenly get distracted and say you've remembered something you need to do at work.
- If someone keeps calling or texting you, tell them in the most polite way possible that you can't speak at the moment. If he persists, tell him clearly that you don't want to talk.
- Don't sigh or moan during the conversation. It is rude behavior that will make the other person angry, especially if they are not in a good mood. You may end up fighting and wasting even MORE time.
- Phrases like "Can we talk later?" they are the best, as they show a certain level of interest. However, you will need to at least PRETEND that these are your real intentions. Don't be annoyed if the person calls you back or tries to pick up the conversation again. Don't get entangled again! Quickly interrupt the conversation by saying that you are full of work or that you have issues to resolve at home. Acting as if you really have problems at work and making him believe you would rather talk to him than address the problem is a good attitude to try in this context.
- Remember to smile! A friendly smile is your lifeline for interrupting a conversation.
- If your interlocutor often talks about topics you don't want to address, make sure they understand the reasons why you prefer to avoid certain speeches. Let him know that you respect his opinions and that you appreciate the fact that he shares your thoughts with you, but that sometimes it is better to have light conversations!
Warnings
- Stopping an upset person for more serious events than losing the football team can be more problematic. If you talk about family problems or political issues in an animated way, and the person is particularly upset, interrupting the conversation will only irritate the person more. Don't be surprised if he decides not to open up to you anymore.
- If you usually let people talk to you non-stop, these tips may not work right away, especially if they are someone who has a certain interest in you and who often tries to converse with you. In this case, it is advisable to explain to the interlocutor that, although you think his behavior is flattering, it sometimes distracts you too much.
- Looking at the clock is rude, since your interlocutor will understand that you have been monitoring how long the conversation has been going on, and could be offended. However, if your watch beeps, or if the church bells ring, take the opportunity to jump suddenly.
- If your interlocutor says "Wait, I have one more thing to tell you!" even after you've tried to interrupt the conversation, tell him firmly that you're busy. If you see that they just don't want to understand that you are busy, you need to be more determined.
