We’ve all been there—stuck in an awkward conversation with no idea how to exit without offending the other person.
The good news?
Expert communicators know how to navigate these situations with ease.
With just the right words, they can gracefully redirect or end the exchange without creating tension.
Here are eight phrases you can use to master this skill and escape awkward conversations like a pro.
1. “It’s been great chatting”
Conversations, like a good song, require a fitting end note. That’s where this phrase comes in handy.
Saying “It’s been great chatting” is the perfect cue for wrapping up a conversation, be it long or short. It’s polite, friendly and has a clear intent. It signals to the other person that you’re ready to move on, without seeming abrupt or impolite.
The real beauty of this phrase lies in its flexibility. You can use it in various situations – be it a casual talk with your neighbor, an intense debate with a colleague or an awkward discussion at a dinner party.
It’s about acknowledging the interaction and then subtly steering away from it. The goal here isn’t to be dismissive but to give a gentle nudge, indicating that it’s time to wind down the conversation.
2. “I’d love to hear more about this another time”
The beauty of this phrase is its ability to serve as a raincheck for the conversation. It helps you dip out while keeping the door open for future discussions.
Now, let me share a personal story. I was once cornered at a networking event by an enthusiastic marketer who was very keen to explain his company’s latest product. The conversation was turning tedious and I could feel my attention drifting.
So, I said, “I’d love to hear more about this another time.” It worked like a charm. He got the message, I escaped the conversation but we parted on good terms.
This phrase is not about avoidance, it’s about deferring. You’re not shutting down the conversation completely, you’re just moving it to a more suitable time.
The effectiveness of this phrase lies in its delivery – say it with genuine interest, making sure your tone and body language are in sync with your words.
3. “Let’s agree to disagree”
Oscar Wilde once said, “Arguments are to be avoided; they are always vulgar and often convincing.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the wisdom of the phrase “Let’s agree to disagree.”
This phrase is particularly useful when a conversation is spiralling into a heated argument or a debate. You’ve shared your views, they’ve shared theirs, but you’re not meeting in the middle. It’s like you’re both on different wavelengths, and the conversation is turning more contentious than constructive.
In such situations, saying “Let’s agree to disagree” is like hitting the reset button. It diffuses tension, acknowledges the difference in opinion, and respectfully concludes the conversation without anyone feeling attacked or dismissed.
The strength of this phrase lies in its ability to maintain respect and preserve relationships even when there are disagreements. Use it wisely to steer clear of unnecessary arguments while keeping the conversation cordial.
4. “I need to think about that”
There are moments in conversation where you’re caught off guard, asked a question or presented with a statement that you’re not ready to respond to. It’s like being thrown a curveball and you’re left scrambling for the right words.
“I need to think about that” is a phrase that comes to your rescue in such situations. It’s not a way to dodge the question, instead, it’s a way to buy time.
It’s believed our brain processes information at different speeds depending on the complexity of the task. So when faced with a challenging conversation, it’s completely okay to take some time to process your thoughts.
This phrase allows you to maintain control of the conversation, without being rushed into an answer you might regret later. It’s about being honest, showing that you’re taking the conversation seriously and giving yourself time to form a thoughtful response.
5. “I appreciate your perspective”
Acknowledging someone’s viewpoint does not necessarily mean you agree with them. It simply means you respect their right to have a different opinion.
“I appreciate your perspective” is a phrase that reflects this sentiment. It’s a polite and respectful way to end a conversation where you and the other person might not see eye to eye.
This phrase is like a friendly handshake at the end of a discussion. You’re essentially saying, “I hear you, I understand where you’re coming from, but we might have to agree to disagree here.”
Using this phrase shows that you value the other person’s thoughts and opinions, even if they don’t align with yours. It helps to maintain a positive atmosphere while navigating out of potentially sensitive or divisive topics.
6. “I’ve really enjoyed our conversation, but I must be going now”
Sometimes, the need to exit a conversation is driven by time constraints rather than the nature of the conversation itself.
“I’ve really enjoyed our conversation, but I must be going now” is a phrase that helps you gracefully exit such conversations. It’s polite, respectful, and shows appreciation for the time spent in the conversation.
This phrase is like a gentle hand on the brake – it slows things down and brings them to a stop without causing any jarring interruptions. It’s about being respectful of the other person’s time as well as your own.
Using this phrase allows you to take leave from the conversation while also expressing your enjoyment and appreciation for it. It’s about ending on a positive note, leaving both you and the other person feeling good about the interaction.
7. “That’s interesting, I’ll have to look into it”
There are instances when you’re drawn into a conversation about a topic you’re unfamiliar with, or perhaps not particularly interested in.
“That’s interesting, I’ll have to look into it” is a phrase that serves as a graceful exit strategy in such cases. It shows that you acknowledge what the other person is saying, and it gives you an easy way to steer the conversation to a close.
This phrase is like a polite nod, acknowledging the other person’s viewpoint or information without committing yourself to a lengthy discussion about it.
The key to using this phrase effectively is to ensure your tone conveys genuine interest or appreciation. This way, you’re not only leaving the conversation, but also leaving the other person with a positive impression.
8. “Thank you for sharing that with me”
At times, conversations can take a deep or personal turn, leaving you in uncharted waters.
“Thank you for sharing that with me” is an invaluable phrase to navigate such scenarios. It shows empathy and appreciation for the other person’s openness, while also serving as a polite way to steer the conversation towards a close.
This phrase is like a warm hug – it acknowledges the other person’s vulnerability and courage in sharing something personal or profound.
The beauty of this phrase lies in its simplicity and sincerity. It allows you to exit the conversation gracefully while leaving the other person feeling heard and respected.
Remember, these phrases are tools to promote effective communication. Use them wisely and watch how they can transform your conversational dynamics, helping you navigate even the most awkward situations with grace and ease.
