5 Ways to End a Conversation at a Networking Event to Make the Most Productive Use of Your Time

Have ever found yourself stuck in a conversation with no clear exit at a networking event?

Today we are talking about how these situations happen to us and then giving you five ways to escape, I mean, politely end a conversation.?

Imagine you’re at a networking event….you meet someone and strike up what appears to be a good conversation.

Then that conversation gets a little long.

You’re polite and engage with some questions, smiles and nod of the head as they continue.

Ten minutes goes by and they’re still going.

Your polite conversation exchanges change to one word short answers hoping the other person will get the hint.?

The other person doesn’t.

You start to feel trapped, you need a way out but don’t want to be rude.?

What do you do?

Here’s 5 tactful ways to end the conversation so you can continue meeting some other people and make the most productive use of your time.?

1. The Restroom Excuse - easy and straightforward. Key is to make it seem dire so they don’t follow you.
2. The Dump & Run: This method is all about shifting the focus from you to another interaction. Subtly look for someone else you know. Ask the person if they’ve met this other person. If they haven’t, offer to introduce them. Walk them over, make the introductions, and then take your leave.

This move helps everyone,? you exit the conversation but also are helping the other person expand their network.

1. The Fake Call Strategy: With all the noise at networking events, a ringing phone is often unnoticed. You can simulate receiving a call by pressing the lock screen button of your phone to light up the screen and then placing it to your ear. Apologize to the person explaining that you need to take this call because it’s your significant other, mom or emergency from work and step away while saying it was great to meet them.
2. The Imaginary Friend: Glance over the shoulder of the person you are talking to and make a waving gesture at no one in particular. Then, quickly say it’s been fun talking and excuse yourself by mentioning that a friend has just waved you. This method provides a harmless way to break away and adds a playful element to your escape. Key here is to say thanks and be moving to your imaginary friend all in one motion and quickly. It sounds funny, but it works.
3. The Closeout: Employ this straightforward and honest if you’re feeling bold.. Here are 3 lines you can use to close the conversation.

"I want to see if Alexa Clark(use any name)? is still here. We were supposed to speak before she left, and I haven’t had the chance to catch up with her yet."

"Well, there are a lot of people here tonight. I don’t want to hold you back from other meaningful conversations! I’ve really enjoyed meeting you and look forward to us helping each other out."

"It was really nice meeting you. I need to catch up with a few more people before I head out."

Remember, the key here is to be polite and get the most out of your time at the event.

So next time you find yourself feeling stuck in a lengthy conversation at a networking event, put these techniques to good use and meet as many new people as you can.

Your move.

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