10 Ways to Politely End a Conversation at a Networking Event

Has this happened to you?

You’re having a conversation at a networking event. It starts out well, but then turns boring or goes in a direction you’re not comfortable with. Or maybe you just simply need to end it. What do you do?

We’ve all been there. I know I have! You want to leave the discussion but still make a good impression with someone you’re meeting for the first time.

Knowing how to politely move on from a conversation is an important life skill to have. Done tactfully a successful farewell goes a long way. And with more normal activities happening again after our recent circumstances you may now be attending in-person gatherings, so here are some examples you can use at your next networking event:

1. “Well, there are a lot of people here tonight. I don’t want to hold you back from other meaningful conversations! I’ve really enjoyed meeting you and look forward to us helping each other out.”
    
2. “Thanks for telling me about what you do. It sounds like your days are definitely interesting! I’m going to go mingle a bit more and will be sure to keep you in mind in my discussion with others.”
    
3. “Joe, it’s been great speaking with you about your current project. I actually need to go catch up with Cathy before she leaves. Thanks so much for the engaging conversation.”
    
4. “I want to see if Bill Jones is still here. We were supposed to speak before he left, and I haven’t had the chance to do so yet.”
    
5. “I need to talk to the host about a future event. It’s been a great discussion!”
    
6. “When I was prepping for tonight, I promised myself that I’d circulate. I’m going to walk around and mingle a bit!”
    
7. “I’ve enjoyed our conversation! Thank you very much.”
    
8. “Do you need a fresh drink? I’m going to navigate my way over to the bar and get a cocktail.”
    
9. “I’ve heard the view from the balcony is great. I’m going to go mingle outside and get some fresh air.”
    
10. “I have to excuse myself. It really has been good meeting you!” 

When closing the conversation don’t be abrupt or offensive. Be genuine when you speak and avoid making the other person feel uncomfortable or awkward. The cardinal rule of doing it gracefully is to act with sincerity. If others sense you’re being straightforward and honest they won’t feel like you’re making a quick escape.

Think about having a wingman. Bring someone with you to the event who can tactfully “save” you from a discussion. They can also break the ice for you and help you get a conversation started. Invite someone you trust and know you can depend on, and plan ahead to have a strategy in place.

Be aware when a chat is going nowhere, it’s likely the other person senses it too! You have to make the decision to bring it to a close and continue to make the best use of your time. And before you make your final exit make it a habit to carry out these relationship-building practices:

• Facilitate a connection: “Before I go, is there anyone here I can introduce you to?” And then be sure you acquaint them with those in your networks they’re looking to meet.
   
• Ask them for a connection: “Before we part, do you know of anyone else here who might be interested in discussing the goals for my project?” It’s about networking through others.
   
• Get their card: “This has been great! Can I grab your business card before I mingle some more?” This helps signal you’re bringing it to a close.
   
• Plan to follow up: “It’s been a great discussion and I look forward to setting up a meeting to talk further about the project.” And then do it. If you say you’re going to meet up over coffee, plan it immediately. You must always follow through on following up.

When attending a networking event it’s good to be in the right mindset and have a few ice breakers ready. But it’s also important to know when – and how – to move on from a conversation. You want people to remember you for the right reasons and making a graceful exit from a discussion is one way to do so.

We also have a guide to make it easy for you! It provides examples of how to get the discussion going in addition to polite ways to end it. Download it here and follow this advice to help you build meaningful relationships at your next event or social gathering.