Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Clearly indicate that you are not interested
• Method 2 of 3: End calls abruptly
• Method 3 of 3: End conversations with people you see often
• Tips
• Warnings

While it is considered impolite to end a conversation abruptly, there are times when the best way to deal with a conflict is to simply stop talking. If someone is rude, persistent in an aggressive way, or is trying to annoy you in an unhealthy way, there are several strategies to get the conversation to end. Here are a few.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Clearly indicate that you are not interested

1. Use dismissive body language before conversation can start. While you may find this rude, turning your body away, keeping your headphones on, and avoiding eye contact will make it clear that you are not in the mood to talk. This will prevent you from having to tell someone to the face that they don't want to talk.
   • Keep going with what you were doing before you were interrupted.
   • Get up and get moving, get active and find small chores to do instead of listening.
2. Interrupt the other as soon as possible. Then say something like, "I want to add something to that" or "If I can interrupt you for a moment", someone will often make it clear that they are talking too much. Although people often speak quickly, you can take a breather or a moment of silence to interrupt the one-way flow of words.
   • Make it clear that you would like to say something by raising your hand, opening your mouth, or clapping (whatever it is that can break their mindset and give you a chance to speak).
   • If the other person indicates that they want to complete a train of thought, don't let this go on indefinitely - interrupt the other as soon as they have finished their sentence.
3. Lead the conversation. This is especially helpful when dealing with someone you can talk to often. Let the person know you listened to them and redirect the conversation.
4. Indicate that you do not have much time to talk. Something like 'I'd like to catch up, but I'm very busy right now', 'Today is not a great day to talk, I have a lot of things to arrange' and 'Unfortunately I can't give you all my attention right now' you the ability to easily get out of a conversation.
   • If you don't want to talk, make a general excuse like "Let's catch up another time" or "Sorry, I'm in a hurry now. I'll talk to you! "
   • If you are constantly pulling the longest straw, be more direct.

Method 2 of 3: End calls abruptly

1. Respect and protect your boundaries. Telling someone to stop talking, even if you do so politely, is difficult for people who are generally nice and friendly. But if someone is attacking, appearing aggressive, or perhaps just taking too much of your time, then you need to take a stand for yourself.
   • Breaking off a conversation doesn't end a friendship, so don't be afraid to do so.
   • Talking incessantly can mean someone disrespecting you or your time, and allowing the other person to ignore your wish can reinforce that behavior.
2. Use an assertive tone. Be direct, clear and avoid possible questions or interpretation with weak language. Don't say something like, "Do you mind if I continue to work?" But say "I'm going back to work now."
   • Make eye contact and speak clearly. Raise your voice if you need to to be heard, but try to keep your tone even and calm.
   • Use explanatory sentences (such as "I am") instead of questions or conditional sentences (such as "If you ...").
   • Example: Don't say something like, "Well, I'm pretty busy right now," but rather, "I have a lot to do, and unfortunately don't have time to talk right now."
3. Clearly indicate that a line is crossed if the other becomes offensive. When someone gets rude or hurtful, tell them you don't want to talk about it and wish them a good day. Dealing with aggressive people will only make them louder and angrier, so pick eggs for your buck and leave.
   • Example: "That's enough. I do not accept such language. "
   • Ignore further comments.
   • Know the boundary between conversation and harassment, and seek help from others if you feel threatened.
4. Indicate that the conversation is over. If someone keeps talking, let them know you have to leave and walk away. Be polite but confident, and don't hang around when the other person has one last point. You have done everything you can to end the conversation peacefully, so don't feel bad about ending the conversation if the other person refuses to respect your time.
   • Example: "It's nice talking to you, but I have to go now."

Method 3 of 3: End conversations with people you see often

1. Listen for a reasonable amount of time. Actively listening to someone not only helps determine what someone is talking about, but also why they talk so much. While some people talk a lot as a result of ego or aggression, other people talk because they are nervous, looking for friends, or because they need to open their mind. Knowing why people won't stop talking can help you to end a conversation gently.
   • Ignoring people, creating conflict or feigning interest will also lead to longer conversations. Being polite but honest is usually best.
2. Set a time limit for the conversation. If you know someone is known to be a talker and stick with it, indicate early that you still have somewhere to be.
   • Example: "Great to see you, but I only have a few minutes to talk."
3. Get that colleague to stop talking. When you are at work, you will usually have the most opportunity to realize silence and tranquility around you. By indicating that you have a deadline or that you need to concentrate on your work, or that you prefer not to discuss such matters during working hours, you can easily escape long or difficult conversations.
   • If someone often harasses you, consider a meeting with the HR department or a supervisor.
   • Example: "Great to see you, but I only have five minutes!"
   • Example: "I still have to pick up the kids from school, so I'm going to run away."
4. Get a friend or loved one to stop talking. When you spend most of your time with the same person, you will inevitably not want to hear the other from time to time. Most likely, this also applies to that loved one. Find activities together, such as reading, movies, or meditation, that require silence.
   • "I need some time to relax and think - let's talk again in an hour." Spending time alone helps you focus on what's really important and talk about it later.
   • Example: "Today was a long day! I could use a little while to get some rest. "
5. Getting your parents to stop talking. We all love our parents, but they have a knack for not stopping talking. While you should always be respectful, there are a few ways you can give yourself some rest without creating a family drama. Send letters or emails and invite them to do the same so you can catch up on your own time.
   • Keep it short about problems or stress, as many parents want to know every last detail about things that are not going well in their child's life.
   • Don't be wall - just give some details! If you are surly and quiet, many parents will try to keep talking to find out what your problem is.
   • Communicate regularly. It may seem counterproductive, but by talking to your parents you can prevent an information overload, unlike a phone call once a month or year.
   • Example: "Mom, I'm so glad we can talk to it for a moment, but I have to run again. I will call you soon!'
6. Silencing a bully. Getting a bully to leave you alone can be tricky, but silencing them is often as easy as removing their ammo. Laugh at their insults, ignore them, and resist the urge to swear.
   • Being reserved or sarcastic takes the wind out of their sails. "Would your poor mother approve of that language?" "Someone watched too many 18+ movies here" or "Gosh, was anyone mean to you as a kid?" Are sarcastic, but better than a hostile comment.

Tips

• While it may seem satisfying, telling someone straight to their face to be quiet often backfires and can escalate the conversation.
• Being passive-aggressive makes people overcompensate and talk more.
• Avoid situations with people who talk a lot and talk a lot.
• Don't be rude. Be polite and sincere, but clear in your motives / actions.
• Always be polite and sincere in your conversations, but try not to be rude if someone keeps talking.

Warnings

• If someone often over-shares or doesn't respect your boundaries, inform someone who can protect you. Don't let someone manipulate you emotionally to listen to them