How To Halt or Disengage From an Overtalker—Even When You Have Zero Clear Exits From the Conversation

(Because, no, it isnt always an outsized ego at play.)

You may find that as you start to speak, they will happily stop and listen.

you might say, Hey, can you hang on a sec?

and then wait a moment and start talking, she says.

This way, you are getting your message across without being aggressive.

Generally, the softer it is, the better, in this case, says Roberts.

professor of linguistics at Georgetown University and author ofYou Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation

Say youve encountered an overtalker at a party, but you arent ready to leave the party yet.

Roberts suggests saying something like, I appreciate what youre saying.

If youll just excuse me while I go grab some water, or, Thanks so much for chatting.

Then make your escape.

Circular breathing helps to relax and calm the nervous system, she says.

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professor of linguistics at Georgetown University and author ofYou Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation