At some point, we’ve all found ourselves trapped in a one-sided conversation.
You nod, smile… and slowly lose the will to live while the other person just keeps going and going with no end in sight. It’s not always easy to interrupt, especially if you’re trying to be polite or if the person genuinely has no clue they’re monologuing. However, when someone just won’t stop talking, it can be draining and awkward. Here’s how to handle it without turning it into a full-blown fight, or losing your mind in the process.
1. Start with body language cues.
Before jumping in with words, try using non-verbal signals to show you’re ready to move on. Glancing at your phone, shifting your posture, or even stepping slightly away can gently hint that the moment has passed. These subtle signs often work when someone’s just temporarily lost track of how long they’ve been talking.
If the talker doesn’t pick up on these hints, that’s also good information. It tells you they may not be tuned into social feedback at all, so something more obvious might be needed. However, body language is always a good first step, especially when you want to stay tactful.
2. Look for a natural pause.
Most people breathe at some point, and that’s your chance. Wait for a pause, even a tiny one, and slide in with a change of subject or a gentle redirection. A simple “That reminds me…” or “Before I forget…” can work wonders. Jumping in mid-sentence can feel a bit harsh, but using a natural break helps you steer the conversation without sounding rude. It’s less of a shutdown and more of a pivot—and it gives you a bit of control back.
3. Ask a question, but redirect it.
If you can’t get a word in edgeways, try tossing them a question that moves the focus. Something like “That’s interesting—how did your partner feel about that?” puts the ball in a different emotional court. It also makes it harder for them to keep circling back to the same story. Redirecting with a question keeps things polite but strategic. It shows that you’re listening while gently nudging them out of a solo spotlight and into a more balanced exchange.
4. Set a boundary with humour.
Sometimes a light joke is the easiest way to make your point. You could say, “Okay, I need a turn to talk before my thoughts expire,” or “I’m gonna put my two pence in now, or I’ll combust.” If it fits your dynamic, humour can soften the interruption while still delivering the message.
This only works if you’re both comfortable with a bit of banter. But if you are, it’s a great way to break the talking streak without creating tension. It tells them you’re still in the conversation, just not passively.
5. Use a time check as an exit.
Glancing at your watch or phone and saying something like, “Oh, I just realised I’ve got to get going soon,” can serve as a clean out. It doesn’t require confrontation and gives you a logical reason to wrap things up. Even if you don’t have anywhere to be, this tactic helps move things along. It lets the other person save face, while giving you space to breathe. And if they do take the hint, it can actually reset the rhythm of the chat.
6. Change locations if you can.
If you’re at a gathering, try moving to another room or area. A physical move can naturally break up a long-winded flow, especially in social settings where movement is expected. Even saying, “I’m gonna refill my drink—back in a sec,” can be enough to break the spell.
Once you’re up and out of the conversation, you can decide whether to rejoin or gracefully float off to someone else. The beauty of this approach is that it feels smooth and non-confrontational, even if you’re making a full escape.
7. Blame the noise or setting.
Source: Unsplash Another subtle out is to blame the environment. You could say, “I’m having trouble hearing you in here,” or “Let’s catch up later when it’s quieter.” That gives you a polite reason to disengage without making it personal. This trick works especially well at events or group settings where it’s noisy or chaotic anyway. It lets you put distance between you and the chatterbox without calling them out directly.
8. Reflect and redirect.
Source: Unsplash If you’ve tried everything, and they’re still going strong, you can reflect back part of what they’ve said to show you’re listening, then immediately pivot. For example: “That sounds like a lot to manage. Speaking of busy weeks, did I tell you about mine?” This move shows empathy but flips the focus. It’s a way to insert your own story without shutting them down completely. Sometimes it’s the only way to reclaim a bit of airtime in a marathon monologue.
9. Be honest—but be nice about it.
Source: Unsplash When it’s someone close to you who constantly dominates conversations, honesty might be your best bet. Try saying something like, “I love talking with you, but I find it hard to get a word in sometimes.” Keeping the tone kind can help avoid putting them on the defensive. They might not even realise what they’re doing, and hearing it from someone they trust could make a difference. The goal isn’t to shame them—it’s just to bring some awareness to the imbalance.
10. Ask for a quick summary.
Source: Unsplash If they’re telling a long story, and you can sense it dragging, it’s okay to say, “Can you give me the short version?” or “Catch me up in a nutshell?” It’s direct, but not impolite if said with a smile or warm tone. This works well in work settings or when time is genuinely tight. It also sends a clear message that you’re interested—just not in the ten-minute monologue version of events.
11. Mention the importance of sharing your time together.
Source: Unsplash Another tactful way to bring things back into balance is to point out how much time each person has had to speak. Something like, “I’ve been doing a lot of listening—can I share something now?” works well when framed as a change, not a complaint. It gives the conversation a reset without making anyone wrong. Often, just pointing out the imbalance helps the talker realise what’s happening and gives you space to speak up.
12. Bring someone else into the chat.
Source: Unsplash Rope in another person if possible. If you’re in a group and one person’s dominating, involving a third voice can help dilute the one-way traffic. You could say, “Hey, what do you think, Sarah?” or “James had a great take on that the other day.” It’s an easy way to move the spotlight and reset the tone. You don’t have to tell the original speaker to stop—you just gently pull in someone else to share the floor.
13. Use the “mental note” excuse.
Source: Unsplash If you’re truly overwhelmed and need an out, say something like, “That’s a lot to take in—I’m going to make a mental note and come back to it later.” It’s a polite way to hit pause and mentally regroup. This is especially useful when someone’s venting or trauma-dumping, and you simply can’t take on any more. It buys you a bit of space without sounding like you don’t care.
14. Know when it’s okay to walk away.
At some point, especially if your polite hints keep getting ignored, it’s okay to just excuse yourself and walk away. Say, “I’ve got to step away, but let’s catch up another time,” and mean it. Your energy matters too.
There’s no medal for enduring endless monologues. If someone routinely talks over other people or never gives you a turn, you’re allowed to create boundaries. The kindest thing you can do for yourself is recognise when it’s no longer a conversation—and act accordingly.
