4/28/2008:

[Note: This is a Hoboken411 reader contributed article. There will be one or more “reader articles” a day this week.]

I never have a problem getting out of a conversation that I no longer have interest in participating in. However, some people do.

Here’s some tips & tricks that Hoboken411 reader (and accomplished Author) Ilise Benun would like to share with you.

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How to Get Out of a Conversation

Some people have no trouble getting into conversations; it’s getting out of them that presents the problem. So if you don’t start conversations for fear of not being able to stop them, here are a few strategies to experiment with:

  • Get a refill. If there’s food or drink involved in the event, you can always say, “I think I need a refill.” Or you can smile and say, “Excuse me. I need another one of those Swedish meatballs.”

  • Involve another person. Another escape is to introduce another person into the conversation. Then say, “Excuse me while I let you two get to know each other.”

  • Stand up. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything. Just stand up! Your conversation partner is likely to take the nonverbal cue.

Here are some things you can say:

  • When you are ready to move on, hand the other person your business card, smile warmly and say, “I’ve enjoyed chatting with you. I’m going to mingle a bit. But let’s stay in touch.”
  • “I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, but since this is a networking event, I’ve set myself a goal to meet at least X people tonight. But let’s stay in touch.”
  • “I don’t want to monopolize you. I’ll let you talk to some other folks now. Let’s stay in touch.”
  • “I need to run, but let’s exchange cards so we can keep in touch.”
  • “Will you please excuse me? I see someone I need to chat with.” Then leave quickly before they can tag along. This works well in a crowd (for obvious reasons).
  • Glance at your watch and say, “Excuse me, I need to make a quick phone call to check in with the [babysitter, boss, sick spouse…whatever is believable].”

Excerpted from “The Designer’s Guide to Marketing and Pricing: how to win clients and what to charge them” by Ilise Benun and Peleg Top, co-founders of Marketing-Mentor.com. Book is available at Amazon.com. Here’s the web site for the book, and sign up for free tips here!

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