8 Ways to Stop an Uninteresting Conversation Without Offending

Often we cannot end an unpleasant, boring or prolonged conversation because we are afraid of offending the interlocutor. So we waste our own time listening to a long monologue from a former classmate about her boss’s problems, a great-aunt’s complaints about her chronic gastritis, or what types of laminates a classmate works with to repair. But it’s possible to interrupt a conversation gently without ruining a relationship, and today we’ll tell you how to do it.

O awesome.club found ways to politely end a conversation, leaving a pleasant impression on your interlocutor.

Sometimes a person is so passionate when talking that it is not clear how to tactfully interrupt him. Vanessa van Edwards, author of books on communication, spoke in a video about some techniques that can help you stop a conversationalist.

To begin, open your mouth slightly, leaning towards the person, as if about to say something (“fish” gesture). If that doesn’t stop your interlocutor, at least he’ll finish his sentence faster. If that doesn’t help, reach out to that person, interrupting it (“separator” gesture). Finally, touch your hand🇧🇷 In general, a tap mutes even the most talkative for a moment. Taking advantage of the pause, you can change the subject of the conversation and end it without any problems.

If you’re not interested in a conversation, calmly admit that you don’t know about the topic. You can say: “Unfortunately, I can’t continue arguing, I’m not aware of political events”, “I admit, I don’t know anything about floristry”, or “Forgive me, I’m not up to date with the latest fashion trends”.

If people ask uncomfortable questions, rush to share new gossip, or bring up an unpleasant topic, you have the right to state your position clearly: “I have a rule, I don’t talk about my personal life (parenting, religious affiliation, etc.)” . Generally, the mention of personal principles causes respect and the interlocutor changes the subject.

You can stop someone’s long monologue by saying something pleasant or “remembering” interesting news: “I understand, this is a very difficult situation…”, “Oh, I noticed something…”, “you started to put on makeup in a different way?”, “do you have a new dress / bag / earrings?”, “by the way, did you hear that…?”.

If someone tells you a lot of stories about their own life, “join in” with your interlocutor with a phrase like “Yes, I had a similar situation too”, or “don’t tell me, the same thing happened to me”, and start talking. say something about you. In between, remember that she lost track of time: “Oh, I talk a lot! I won’t distract you anymore, I’m sorry!” When you interrupt yourself, and not the interlocutor, he does not experience psychological discomfort at the end of the conversation.

If a person complains about life non-stop, ask him if you can help and how. This will show your interest and at the same time stop the flow of complaints. As a rule, malcontents simply look for sensitive ears, so they will answer that nothing can help in their situation. That way you can wrap things up by saying, “Let me know if you need anything.”

In a neutral place (a conference, party) you can always get away from an impertinent interlocutor by asking where the toilet is or offering to look for a drink. If a co-worker comes to your table, escort him out: while continuing the conversation, leave the table (for example, with a cup to serve tea) and take a few steps. The person will be forced to follow you, you will take him to your place of work, and then calmly return to yours.

If your partner is absolutely impenetrable and is eager to show you the 500 selfies they took on their vacation, use the “Fake Call” app. It simulates that someone is calling, allowing you to get away without saying anything.

Blogger Charlie Houpert talked about the simple steps you can use to terminate
a conversation:

1. Interrupt the caller: “Wait”, “That’s great! I’m sorry, but…”.

two. Saying what you should be doing instead of talking: “I don’t want to interrupt you, but I’m late for work”, “If you don’t mind, I’ll go get something from the bar”.

3. End the conversation with pleasant and sincere words: “Nice to see you!”, “Thanks, it was great talking to you”, “Hope everything goes well”.

Don’t make excuses, speak calmly, confidently and with a smile. 99% of people will understand you and not insist on continuing the conversation. If someone gets mad or offended, you’ve done everything you can. He was courteous, honest and tried to say something nice. You are not obligated to please everyone.

Have you ever faced situations where you didn’t know how to end a conversation?