Tips for Guests who won't stop talking?

[Suzanne302]

Not a major issue, but I've had a few guests who have basically held me hostage because they won't stop talking! I don't mind being social at all and I've sat down and had a glass of wine with guests before, but not when I have things I need to do.

Every now and then a guest comes through and it's like they are always in the common area when I get home and want to strike up a long conversation. I've had a guest keep me up very late when I had to be up at 4am. Another time I was "stuck" in conversation in my kitchen for about 30 minutes.

Does anyone have a "go to" method or phrase to quickly, but politely, end the conversation so I can get my everyday errands and other responsibilities completed? I never quite know what to say. Especially when they are doing most of the talking and I can't even find a natural "break" to interject!

And I'm not talking about a guest simply asking for recommendations or asking questions about the area, or needing info. I'm talking guests wanting to give me their life story....

[Clara116]

@Suzanne302  Jump up and grab your belly and say with great surprise on your face - "OH MY,,,,,, gotta go and run to the bathroom"..............and take your phone. And then go to your room and continue with YOUR things....message someone to call you and get busy and after a bit say "hey, sorry, I have so many things I have to get to" maybe we'll  chat another time.............don't let them kidnap you or hold you hostage - you know this person you Can NOT be alone with or they want all your time......stand firm .............they are renting your space NOT YOU AND YOUR TIME.....they can't afford that. Right???  when in doubt............RUN.......................lol              good luck and happy hosting, Clara

[Kath9]

Oh @Suzanne302, those non-stop talking guests! I have those sometimes too. I engage with them if I have time but if they're talking at me when I'm clearly trying to work (I work from home and my 'office' is in my lounge which is open to the rest of the common areas) I usually try to find a break and just say 'I don't mean to be rude but I have a really tight deadline to meet so i really need to get back to this'. That seems to work and, in my experience, people who talk a lot are used to being interrupted!

[Robin4]

@Suzanne302 

Look Suzanne, you have to understand the psychology behind talking!

You may gather from my posts here, I love talking....... and I do have to try really hard to stop dominating a conversation.

Many times when we are out Ade will lean over and whisper in my ear..."For Christ sake shut up and give someone else a go"!!

But as I said there is a psychological aspect to this. If the person I am talking to is interesting I can assure you I am the worlds greatest listener.....If that person is a crashing bore and simply talks for the sake of talking, I do the same and prattle on until they give up and walk away.

You would be surprised how quickly you can arrive at that moment!!!

Develop the art Suzanne, I can assure you it works every time!

Cheers........Rob

[Clara116]

@Robin4  Rob, tell Ade I love her................I just had such a good belly laugh just imagining her lean over and whisper in your ear............she's my HERO! 

Just had to say what I'm thinking ! 

We can always count on your Rob for some at length strong, accurate advice! Cool stuff Rob.

Cheers to you and Ade this fine day, Clara

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Suzanne302 

I usually just interupt them and say "I really need to get some work done right now so maybe we can chat later?" then just leave the room, or get up and go to the bathroom or plug in my earphones, focus on my monitor and ignore them 🙂 

This has always worked for me. 

I actually do this more often at the office than with a guest.