How to quickly but politely interrupt a conversation? Useful instructions

Speak calmly, measuredly, without pronounced intonations: the essence of the phrase is perceived without “interference”, to which the interlocutor can cling and continue the conversation.

Use clarifying phrases that will bring the chatterbox back down to earth: “Could you please explain this point again? », “What exactly did you mean? “, “Did I understand correctly that…” – and insert them into every line until you get no results.

If the interlocutor’s monologue is continuous, try to interrupt it unexpectedly, even if you have not yet decided what exactly: “But, by the way, Henrietta Gennadievna, I wanted to say in this regard … But no, continue.” Two or three times are enough for the talker to lose track of his own story.

Absurd questions that have nothing to do with the topic of conversation also work well: “Yes, men are not at all like us. Do you like pineapples in jars?

If a meeting with an overly sociable person is forced and necessary, imagine in advance several reasons for an immediate absence and, if necessary, express the appropriate one: “It’s very, very interesting, it’s a shame that I have a meeting in 10 minutes. ” You can set an alarm on your phone in advance so that at the right moment it sings loudly: “Shut up, don’t say anything, I know it myself!

Gradually increase the physical distance between you to one and a half meters (go to the window, to the table, then not far from the Canadian border).

Try to use verbs that imply an immediate end to the conversation: “I’m leaving”, “I’m going to bed”, “I’m disappearing into thin air” and not “I want to leave”, “I’m going to bed soon” .

At the end of the conversation, express the hope that it will be possible to continue it one day (but do not give an exact date): this way you can avoid being offended and maintain diplomatic relations.

Arms crossed on the chest, a sideways glance, a tilt of the body away from the interlocutor – these non-verbal signals of lack of interest will make the talker uncomfortable. And don’t smile or nod your head except in the direction of hindsight.

TEXT: Ekaterina Sigitova