If I told you that I was a huge introvert all my life – you can probably guess that wasn’t the best at conversations…still not, but getting better.
I tend to overthink conversations to the point where I make things worse for myself.
Though conversations, in general, could be difficult, the worst is how to end one. So here’s an outline of four practical points to consider when trying to end a conversation. But you should always remember to practice it, of course, it’s not going to come naturally at first.
1) The first is to Have a Clear Purpose
Have an agenda for what you want to accomplish, as in,
- What goal do you have in the conversation?
- What is it that you want to get out of it?
- Are you asking for something?
- Are you interested in how their day is going?
Then, once you got what you wanted – you can simply move on.
For example, “Hey Joe, can I get that report from you by 3pm today? Great, thanks man”
2) Next is to Wait For a LOL (an L.O.L.) a Laugh!
This way you’re leaving with a high note, a good impression.
No awkward “okay, bye then” but a laugh between the two of you that gives you a smooth ending.
Just think about how much smoother it was the last time when you laughed and transitioned to something else. Someone said something funny and between you and the 
other person and then…
*queue transition*
It’s like ending a scene in a play with something that people could enjoy rather than ending abruptly. You’re not forcing it to end, it just ends at a certain point.
This may be a little harder for those folks who really can’t quite make a laugh, in that case moving onto the next.
3) Use an Exit Line
Be honest about an exit line
Put an emphasis in the line “I, Well, I’m,…”
“Well, just…wanted to make sure everything is okay”
“Is there anything else you needed?”
“Anyway, I don’t want to monopolize your time”
4) And lastly, Introduce Someone Else
Say you’re at a networking event or something, party, some kind of social gathering and you happen to be with there with someone.
If you feel the conversation ending, introduce them to someone else near you that you know.
But, only if you think the two people would work out in conversation – lest you just make things even more awkward for yourself.
Conclusion
And that’s about it.
Have a clear purpose,
Wait for a laugh
Use an exit line
and…
Introduce someone else
Keep practicing!
Hope this helps!
The Quiet Onez 