Learn Body Language
how do you get a long winded co worker to get to the point?
She keeps talking and talking incessantly. Most of the time its not even about work related things. I'm way too nice to tell her I'm too busy to listen to her talk about her beach trip last weekend. Sometimes I just try to walk away and she doesn't seem to notice my body language. What's the best way to approach her with work related business and not get involved in a long conversation (aka listen to her monologues).
Public Comments
- Start the conversation by saying something like "I'm really swamped right now, but I was hoping you could help me with something for a moment" Then simply cut her off when she starts rambling and tell her you have to get back to your work. Do it politely but firmly!
- Look at your watch, repeatedly. Have another co-worker bail you out. (Pre arrange a setup where the coworker could call you away for "help" if you get caught in the winbags trap) Gaze off into the distance. Sigh heavily. Say, "I must get back to work" Or simply tell her, "you need to be more succinct, I haven't the time right now to listen to the whole story"
- Tell her, "i would love to hear about your beach trip but im swamped right now" if she still doesnt get the hint. Start working and dont pay any attention to her. If you still want to be nice. ask her about it later when you do have time.
- I'd just say 'that's great!' and then move to say 'oops, excuse me but got to get back to work'. You don't have to completely push her down, you're just being real in your work environment. Hopefully they'll get the picture
- Say and your point is? And then if she continues to go on and on let her know that she does it all the time and it's very irrating...
