Need strategies for surviving family get-togethers with a nonstop talker...tactful ones please?

Question

I have an relative (by marriage) who dominates all family conversations. They can talk nonstop for hours without noticing that no one else has had the opportunity to speak more than one sentance. Does anyone have a nice way to deflect the conversation away from a motormouth? This person is nice, not overbearing, but just talks and talks...I think they she gets nervous and then doesn't shut up.

Answer 1

You are probably quite right that this person is acting out this way due to a feeling of low self-esteem. You may think that it would be encouraging him/her but try to find a commonality in his/her stories.
Then interject with some of your own related stories, or draw from someone elses experiences by saying some thing like: "John over here had a similar experience, hey John tell (Place motormouth's name here) what happened to you.

That way you can create a situation where others feel welcome to be a part of the conversation, & motormouth still can feel like he/she has a dominant role in the room.

Answer 2

that kind of person needs a lot of attention so draw the attention to something everyone can do, for example play a game like pictionary

Answer 3

Bring out a conversation topic that they have no knowledge of or you think they wouldn't be interested.

Answer 4

I have a sister like that,unfortunantly you will have to bring it to her attention a few times and have a stern look at her when she starts,she will get drift and slow it down.

Answer 5

dont invite her accidently forget to wink wink or you could just excuse your self to do random things around the house

Answer 6

Have a family intervention and gang up on her. don't give her a chance to talk, or call her on it, maybe she doesn't realize it.

Answer 7

Everyone, one by one, walks out of the room. When she comes to where you are, one by one, you walk out of the room. It works.