Alice Kaushal Etiquette Q&A: How does one get out of a boring conversation politely?

Alice Kaushal, business social etiquette expert shares practical etiquette tips.  Here are a few tricks on how to get out of a boring converation politely. 

There are a few tried and tested strategies:

• “The Handoff”- you hail a friend/ colleague, make the introduction, get them talking and then excuse yourself. Trouble is, you have to avoid the friend for a week.

• “The drink refill”- you say you need to go to the bar to get a drink. Trouble is, the bore might decide he/she wants a drink too. To avoid this, pick a moment when he/ she has a full glass.

• “The credible excuse”- “It has been lovely talking to you about your butterfly collection, but I do need to catch up with a client, before he leaves. Perhaps we can meet up again later in the evening?”

Whatever way you decide to act, you must never show that you have been bored, or leave the person standing by themselves. Always try and get them into another group before you leave.

Alice Kaushal is a speaker of Speakers Connect.  Contact us at [email protected] for further information.