Hi,

Around this time of year we are all invited to many parties and work functions.

Although it can be a great opportunity to network with new people and catch up with old friends and aquaintances, unfortunately not all conversations are going to be as interesting as you thought.

We have all been in this situation. The person we are talking to is so excited about the conversation but for us, it's a little uninteresting. Or, we have another appointment somewhere else to be and don't know how to break it to our conversation partner.

I was reading a great article on this topic called "Exiting a Conversation Gracefully"(Harvard Business Review blog:http://blogs.hbr.org/2010/03/exiting-a-conversation-gracefu-2/)

In a nutshell, here is how:

“Thanks so much for your time. How amazing — I could have never guessed some trains were actually hand built and powered by steam engines. Good luck with the exhibit and thanks again.”

1. Thank them for their time.

2. Flatter them: "How amazing..."

3. Expand a little "I could never have guessed" They will feel good that you were listening to them.

4. Wish them good luck on what they are working on

5. Thank them again 

So next time you are stuck in this situation, try this example!

See you!

Zia