We talked about good ways of starting a conversation in English, but what about ending a conversation?

It can be tricky to exit a conversation when you're in the middle of talking to someone. 

However, it is a very important conversation skill to have. You might be on your way out, you might be in a rush, or you might want to stop talking to the person you're currently speaking to.

For all these reasons and more, it's important to know how to end a conversation and be on your merry way.

Here we go!

Use Non-Verbal Cues

You can look at your watch and point out the time. You might add a phrase like “Oh, would you look at the time! I really should get going!” 

You could also look at the clock in the room and point out how late it is! Saying something like “Wow, how'd it get so late? I feel like we just sat down to chat. I really should be heading out now.”

Sometimes you might not even to say anything to accompany the nonverbal act of looking at your watch or the clock in the room. 

If the listener is a savvy communicator themselves, they might pick up on your cue that it's time to go!

Focus on the Recent Past

Point out what a lovely time you had chatting with the person. 

Talk about the time you've just spent with them in the past. It demonstrates that you are already moving on.

By bringing up how much you enjoyed your coffee date or your lunch together or your conversation you are setting up the conversation to naturally come to a close.

You can say things like:

“It was great chatting with you. I had such a nice afternoon.”

“I'm so glad we were able to do lunch today. So good to catch up.”

“How fun running into you like this. Who knew we worked in the same neighborhood!”

Make a Future-Mention

This is a great way to direct the conversation to the future. And since the event in the future has yet to take place, that's a natural way to communicate that you're already looking forward to that.

It's a good way to demonstrate that you want to end the conversation. 

This achieves two things: (1) showing the person you're excited to spend time with them again and (2) that your conversation at this moment is coming to a close but you'll pick up where you left off at the next conversation sometime in the future.

This is a polite way to say, ok see you next time!

It also shows that you care enough to set up a time to meet again!

Be Direct (Firm) but Polite

Sometimes you might need to be a little bit firm and assert yourself because your time is precious! It's okay to be direct about having to go somewhere or that you're going to be late if you don't end this conversation now.

People respect it when you are assertive and don't beat around the bush. There's no need to pretend like you have all the time in the world when you have another appointment you are headed to.

But be sure to say it politely. That's very important as you want to show respect to the person you're speaking with. Everyone deserves (and expects!) to be treated respectfully.

***

So those are a few strategies you can use to close a conversation. 

Sometimes you might only need to use nonverbal cues to indicate that you need to wrap up this conversation or meeting. Other times, you might need to use an accompanying phrase as well.

Either way, pay attention to how native English speakers deal with ending a conversation. How do they exit the talk or end the meeting? 

Do they use one of the strategies mentioned or something else?

Share this video and blog post with someone you think would benefit from it!

Keep advancing your English! See you in the next lesson :)

About the Author and the Explearning Academy:

Mary Daphne is an expert in communication, executive skills and professional development. She is the founder of the Explearning Academy, a platform dedicated to helping individuals enhance their social fluency, boost their careers, and elevate their social game. Through immersive group coaching programs like the Executive Communication Lab and self-guided journeys, participants gain the social superpowers and career catapults they've been searching for. If you're ready to take your negotiation skills to the next level and connect with like-minded individuals, visit academy.explearning.co and explore the various plans available. Join the Explearning Academy community and unlock your full potential.

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