They start to babble about people I don't know, and talk about places and things that only they know about. How can I understand them better and be polite about it? What should I do?
2007-11-18 11:26:01 · 9 answers · asked by cap3382 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It's selfish of them to do that to you in the first place... they obviously don't care that you don't know about the topping they are talking about...and just want to talk about the things that ONLY interest themselves. It's pretty rude really.
Could you interupt and say "I'm sorry to interupt but I don't know the person/place/thing you are talking about?".... although this will probably lead to a detailed description of the person/place/thing which would be even worse!!!
I think it's best to just make an excuse to leave the conversation "sorry I have to go" or "excuse me I have to go to the toilet" or "sorry I can't chat but I'm in a hurry"
2007-11-18 11:32:30 · answer #1 · answered by familyties 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hold out palms toward the person and say,
"Whoa, I'm sorry. I am just not following you at all. Can you explain who these people are?"
You can't expect to know everything about everything, so when they speak about something new, give them the benefit of the doubt and listen. We learn new things by the experiences of others, too.
But, if you are to repsond in the conversation, you are at a loss. All you need is clarification to carry on a conversation. That you can ask for without a big fuss, afterall, they are exicted to tell you their new experience or news. You must be important enough to them if they want to share. So, sit back and enjoy the journey.
2007-11-18 20:09:37 · answer #2 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you avoid speaking with this person? If not then when they start to go on just, in a friendly manner, raise your hand a little to ask them to hold on for a minute and when they stop speaking then just say, "I'm sorry but I really don't know the people you are talking about so I really can't contribute to the conversation. Can we talk about (whatever you want to talk about) because I think I'll be able to contribute more to the conversation that way."
2007-11-18 19:39:41 · answer #3 · answered by elk312 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like they need the lesson in manners.
I'd change the topic.. or daydream. After all, if they had wanted my input, they wouldn't be babbling about crap I have no clue about.
2007-11-18 19:30:02 · answer #4 · answered by Ista 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just excuse yourself. Say you would love to chat but are running late for an appointment, have a million errands to run, have to pick someone up - Anything to RUN AWAY FROM THIS PERSON.
They obviously are too wrapped up in themselves to pay attention to what you say or your manners - so dont worry - just get away!
2007-11-18 19:31:55 · answer #5 · answered by selery222 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like to just walk out of the room and then come back and say yes go on.... and then do that a few more times... eventually they won't bother with you. Be nuttier than the nut.
2007-11-18 19:34:45 · answer #6 · answered by dddbbb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just nod until an answer is completely necessary. Then say: "Pardon? I didn't quite hear that...you were mumbling."
This has worked quite well for me.
2007-11-19 05:53:39 · answer #7 · answered by northernbones 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry---I think I am having a problem with my ears. Suddenly I can only hear this loud ringing in my ears. Excuse me while I have a panic attack. ;-)
2007-11-18 19:31:06 · answer #8 · answered by oph_chad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "you've lost me. Can you repeat?"
2007-11-19 04:26:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋