Considered Ways to Close Conversations
An excerpt from Principals' Digest
There’s an art to gracefully ending a conversation, a skill that can truly elevate your social interactions.
1.The time-conscious approach: If you're in a situation where you or your conversation partner have time constraints, it's essential to express your understanding and wrap up the discussion promptly. Try “I want to be respectful of your time” and ask them if there’s anything else we should share at this point.
2. The grateful farewell: Expressing gratitude is a universally appreciated way to wrap up a conversation. For instance, "Thanks for sharing your experiences with me. I really appreciate your perspective" conveys that you found value in your talk.
3. Non-verbal cues: Your body language and tone of voice can convey your intent to conclude a conversation gracefully. Gradually slowing down your speech, maintaining eye contact, and giving a warm smile can signal that you're reaching a natural endpoint.
4. End with a positive remark: Leaving a conversation on a positive note can leave a lasting impact. A statement like, "I've really enjoyed our conversation. Your insights are really helpful. Let's definitely continue this conversation over coffee sometime." This approach shows respect for the other person's contribution and plants the seed for future connections.
5. Practice empathy: Treat others with the same respect and consideration you would expect. This mindset will guide you toward endings that leave everyone involved feeling valued and heard.
Acknowledgement: John Millen Blog August 12,2023. Full Article here.