Have you been in that conversation that doesn’t end? The conversation that has the worst timing. You know that person that you see coming and think, “Activate Superpower, Invisibility.” Maybe you are that person. Honestly this chapter is for both groups of people. I would like to address the former first.
Tips for conversing with people who can’t read body language.
Don’t flee. They are persistent, and accustom to the walk away. These people are going to follow you and continue to talk. Don’t back up, eventually you will hit a wall, and then there is nowhere to go. Instead plant yourself. Put your right foot in front of you and your left behind you. It kind of looks like you are going to do some stretching or lunges. Yes it looks odd, but it keeps them at a safe distance. This position also distracts them from their conversation. Typically these people don’t understand anything out of the ordinary. If you were listening to them you’d know that. So once they are distracted, interject your excuse. “I have to find _______. Please excuse Me.” or “I’ll be right back.” or if I’m at work, my favorite excuse is, “My class is being loud, I have to go.” Now if the talker is in your classroom, or you can’t get away from them, starting a conversation with someone else is a great way to move on.
Now for you close talkers, following talkers, and those who will continue to talk even if I’m not looking at you.
Please be aware of the person you are talking to. Look at his or her face. Are they grimacing? If so, pass them by every now and then. They are not giving you that look because they dislike you. That, shoot me now, look just says, please don’t tell me another story about your kids, cats, or scrap booking. No I don’t know how to register for the SAT’s no I don’t know what the Eighth Grade is doing for awards day. No I’m not surprised you adopted another animal.
Give them a break. Give them a chance to like you. You’re making it too hard. Always leave on a high note. As soon as you get a laugh, walk away. This will make people like you better. They’ll say things like, “Hey where is_____? They have the best stories.” Then they’ll come to you. Trust me.
Please note. I am not terrible. I deal with middle school students. Forgive me for expecting more than a preteen mentality from adults.
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