Earlier this month, we shared with you tips on how to close a conversation when you’re meeting someone or at a networking event.
We’re following up with additional tips on how to close a conversation while on the phone or using non-verbal ques.
How to Politely Close a Conversation on the Phone
One of the benefits of calling rather than meeting up with someone is the time you save in not having to get there. Don’t let your time slip away by getting drowned in a lengthy conversation you don’t have the time for.
There’s nothing wrong with closing a conversation when done politely and you need to move on. Here are 3 quick examples of how to close out over the phone while ensuring the other person feels you valued the conversation and their time:
- “I’ve got another call in a couple minutes; thanks so much for speaking with me, and I’ll talk to you again [soon/in X days].”
- “It sounds like we’ve covered everything we needed to, so I’ll let you go. Thank you for such a productive meeting/chat!”
- “Can’t believe it’s already [time of day]. I’m sure you’ve got lots of things on your agenda, so I’ll let you get to them. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.”
Use non-verbals that show you’re ready to end the conversation
While still being friendly and polite you can start adjusting your body language and your actions to indicate to the other person that it’s time for them to wrap up the discussion, or that you’re about to end it soon yourself.
- Standing up if you’ve been sitting down
- Starting to move towards the door, or in the general direction you were originally heading
- Summarise the conversation, re-itterate you enjoyed speaking with them. Smile and say goodbye.
Make a statement to summarize and wrap up the conversation, then say you’ve got to go
This is a good way to transition from the conversation to its conclusion. You comment on a recent statement, or generally sum up the discussion, before you start to close it down.
- “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea for your business. I’m really looking forward to hearing how it goes. Anyway, I should get going…”
- “Wow, a lot’s been happening in your business/your family/life…I look forward to catching up about it next time. Then, specify or set the next time when you’ll speak again to keep the relationship going.