How to Repel Unwanted Conversations & Gossip

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By smallone
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Unneccessary interruptions can be easily avoided with a few simple tips.

Whether it is in the workplace or home, it can be very difficult to deal with unwanted conversations for fear of hurting someone's feelings or making them feel as if they aren't important when sometimes the truth is that you just don't really have time to talk due to deadlines, etc. Other times your office or doorsteps become the landing spot of gossipers and you'd rather not be a part of gossip. Following these tips can help you repel unwanted gossip or conversations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience

Step 1

Don't make eye contact when someone comes into your office or room. Eye contact during communication indicates to the other person you are paying attention and engaged and as a result the conversation continues. By not making eye contact the other person will probably not hang around for too long talking. If someone comes into your office, try directing your attention to the computer and act as if you are typing. You can "play" polite by offering a simple yes or no or "uhms" or "uh-uh", etc. People don't like looking at someone's ear or head when talking or not hearing full sentence responses so this will cause the other party to leave.
Step 2

Be Assertive and Simply Say You Don't Have Time to Talk. Of course, be nice about it, but if you advise someone you'd love to chat but don't have the time, normally, the person will leave and the next time they do return to simply chat, they may be more courteous and ask if you have a minute to talk or chat. Being direct usually provides the best results but even then you'll always have that person who never quit gets to leave you alone and give you space.
Step 3

Get Yourself Out the Rumor Club. People love to gossip and let's just admit it, most people love hearing gossip but for those of us who prefer not to join in and be a part of that, the first time someone approaches you with rumors or gossip, if you'll state plain and simple that you don't listen to gossip your chances of being on the receiving end will end. Let the person know you will discuss anything else: the weather, anything positive but have no room for gossip. You'll get a strange look but will also gain respect from that person as well.
Step 4

Cell Phone Trick. Sometimes squeezing your way out from a talker whose stories seem to never end can be tough simply because that person is a storyteller who never shuts up. This is when you have to call on the old cell phone for help. Act like you hear your phone vibrating but can't find it and when you do, answer and start talking. Talk to yourself...lol and hold up and then say hold on and ask your guest to leave while you take that call. Make sure you do this quickly so you don't look silly if a call actually comes in while you are doing this and your ringer sounds.
Step 5

Walk away quickly to avoid gossipers and talkers.

Walk away QUICKLY. We all know the Queens and Kings of office and personal gossip and the ones who always want to talk and inconvenient times so when you see them coming your way-walk somewhere else very quickly and stay out of site for awhile. In time you'll get other techniques but hopefully these tips will help in the meantime.