How to Silence a Talkative Coworker

No matter how much we may love working with someone, that love can turn to high annoyance if the person simply won't shut up. Talkative coworkers come in many forms, from the hen-like morning chatter to the constant complainer to the person who hovers around your desk like a starving buzzard. With a few steps you can silence a talkative coworker, not appear rude and get your work done.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Direct manner
• Phone, preferably with a headset
• Computer
• Papers strewn about your desk
• Sign that tells people to go away (last resort)

1. Start simple. Tell the person you really enjoy chatting with them but you have a lot of work to do.

2. When telling the coworker you are busy does not do the trick, act the part by ignoring them and intently gazing at the computer screen, stapler or papers strewn about your desk.

3. If the coworker still doesn't get the hint, yelp out a surprised, "Oh, no!" ask the coworker to please excuse you and grab the phone while muttering about a phone call you forgot to make earlier and must make this instant.

4. Keep a sign handy that reads: "Unless you are bleeding from the head, please do not disturb. I am on deadline. Thank you." Hang that sign in a most visible area when you are adamant about not being disturbed. Use this sign sparingly, however, or it will lose its impact.

Tips & Warnings

• All these steps can be completed without being rude and without punching someone in the face to make them go away.
• Phone headsets are also a good thing to keep on your head, even when you are not on the phone. They automatically deter someone scoping the room for someone else to talk at.
• If the coworker is really becoming a nuisance, to not be afraid to tell your boss about the situation and ask her advice on how to handle it.
• If you see chatty coworker Cathy coming your way from a distance, you can always bolt to the bathroom.
• Beware of getting trapped in the bathroom with a talkative coworker, especially if they are blocking the door. In this case, tell her you are expecting an important call and have to get back to your desk pronto.