How to Deal With People Who Just Won't Stop Talking:

When a conversation gets too one-sided, new research shows how to make it stop.

Most conventional approaches don't work, like one word answers, turning away, making small motions toward doors, mindlessly agreeing with them.

The best approach is too not respond in any kind of significant way, including head nods

2 comments

Thanks for sharing this. How about just saying ‘Will you just shut up?’ :D

Of course I’m kidding… :-/ I mean it’s something I would like to say but probably wouldn’t. :D

It makes sense to not encourage the conversation to continue. I would probably just make up an excuse, lie to them, tell them I have to go now, to the bathroom or whatever. But it’s amazing how some people are so unaware of themselves…
The best approach is actually did not respond in any kind of significant way, including head nods

Hmm, I am not so convinced about that, because it will be obvious that you are not interested and that you don't want to be part of that conversation - and if you want to be obvious then it is much better to be direct than indirect!!

I prefer to just say that I have to go do whatever I have to go do next. But at my work I always have a lot to do, so maybe I have it easy in that regard.