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[1:08] English Speaking: Practical Tips for Politely Ending a Conversation

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This article explains how to politely and naturally end conversations in everyday English, including using appropriate phrases, choosing the right timing, and maintaining social etiquette and a friendly impression.

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When it's time to end a conversation, ease into it gradually. Explain why you need to leave. Starting a conversation exit politely helps maintain good social etiquette and ensures that the other person does not feel abruptly dismissed. Using gentle phrases such as 'I guess I should be going' or 'It was great talking with you' can make the transition smoother and more natural, allowing both parties to feel comfortable.

Oh, I guess the speech is about to begin. Hmm, I didn't realize it was so late. I'd better get going. Recognizing the right moment to leave is important, and sometimes we only realize the time or the setting when we mention it. This awareness helps us avoid awkward situations and shows attentiveness to events or schedules, reinforcing polite behavior.

Will you excuse me? I have to meet someone for dinner. Well, well, it was nice to meet you. Using phrases like 'Will you excuse me?' shows respect and consideration for the other person while clearly indicating your need to leave. It also provides a smooth transition from conversation to departure, maintaining social grace.

Well, it was nice to see you. Well, nice to see you again. You too. Nice to meet you too. Nice to see you too. Concluding a conversation with friendly remarks such as 'Nice to see you' or 'Nice to meet you' leaves a positive impression. It reinforces courteous communication and ensures that interactions end on a warm, pleasant note, making future encounters more enjoyable.

Listening Comprehension

meet
noun
1. a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
Synonym: sports meeting
excuse
noun
1. a poor example
e.g. it was an apology for a meal
a poor excuse for an automobile
Synonym: apology
2. a note explaining an absence
e.g. he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him
3. a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
e.g. he kept finding excuses to stay
every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job
his transparent self-justification was unacceptable
Synonym: alibiexculpationself-justification
realize
verb
1. perceive (an idea or situation) mentally
e.g. Now I see!
I just can't see your point
Does she realize how important this decision is?
I don't understand the idea
Synonym: understandrealisesee
2. be fully aware or cognizant of
Synonym: recognizerecogniserealiseagnizeagnise
3. make real or concrete
give reality or substance to
e.g. our ideas must be substantiated into actions
Synonym: realiseactualizeactualisesubstantiate
4. expand or complete (a part in a piece of baroque music) by supplying the harmonies indicated in the figured bass
Synonym: realise
5. convert into cash
of goods and property
Synonym: realise
6. earn on some commercial or business transaction
earn as salary or wages
e.g. How much do you make a month in your new job?
She earns a lot in her new job
this merger brought in lots of money
He clears $5,000 each month
Synonym: gaintake inclearmakeearnrealisepull inbring in
gradually
adv
1. in a gradual manner
e.g. the snake moved gradually toward its victim
Synonym: bit by bitstep by step