How to Nicely Interrupt Someone and Get Them to Stop Talking
- The Fish: You open your mouth wide (like a fish) to signify that you’re ready to talk now.
- The Bookmark: You reach out your hand to slide into what they’re saying and add something. Pairs well with The Fish.
- The Pupil: You raise your hand as if you were in a classroom. It also subtly looks like the universal sign for “stop.”
- The Touch: You lightly touch their shoulder or arm. This usually stops them and gives you a small opening to use to your advantage. It could be to add something, or merely to say goodbye and escape the conversation. (“It was nice chatting with you!”)
- The Teacher: You hold your finger up like a teacher demanding silence in a classroom. It looks similar to the “shhh” gesture. This is the most aggressive move and should only be used when everything else fails.
