I’m sure this has happened to you. You’re in a social setting and you strike a conversation with someone and they start to invade your space. They stand to close and they keep talking. You feel caged in. You don’t want to be rude, but you certainly want to break away. Or at least get some breathing room!
I’ve had this happen to me plenty of times. There are a few tips and hints you can send politely with some subtle body language techniques.
1) Step back: There may be a game of shuffle-feet that happens because some people don’t pick up on that hint and move when you move. Be persistent, some people just need a few more hints before they pick it up.
2) Twist your body: Yes, it’s a bit awkward, but it gets the message across. You don’t want to be rude and ignore the person completely, but you do want to send the message that “this conversation should wrap up soon.” Point your feet away from the person, and try to line your shoulders toward where you want to be as well. You still want to look at the encroacher and make eye contact once in a while but your body will be sending the signal you need to be somewhere else.
3) Smile at other people walking by: This may look like you’re being polite to the other people, but you never know who could be your scapegoat. You could make eye contact with someone you need to talk, someone who gets the signal to save you, or you might find some poor victim to pass the conversation on to by introducing them to your invading conversationalist. Who knows?! They could have a very nice chat.
Unfortunately, I have been in many situations where I felt trapped in a conversation. If you have other suggestions or horror stories, I’d love to hear them!
