While talking is fun, there is a time to stop talking and either end the conversation or turn it over to the other person.

Usually you can tell when the other person has something they want to say and are ready to take over the conversation.  You can see it in their eyes and their demeanor.  They may be leaning forward a bit or opening their mouth as if to say something. 

Once you have seen these actions, you can be pretty sure they have stopped listening to you and are just waiting for you to stop talking.  They are thinking about what they want to say next.  You might as well give them the floor and let them say what they want to say.  Then, when you take the conversation back over, they will be ready to listen again.

Here are some clues that the conversation is over and it is time to move on. 

• The other person looks away or looks past you.
• The answers to your questions are getting shorter.
• They look antsy or fidgety.
• You are bored with the conversation.

Knowing when to hand the conversation back over and when to stop the conversation both require the person talking to be aware of what is going on around him or her.  While you are expecting the listener to pay attention to you, you must also pay attention to the listener.  No one wants to be stuck in an endless, boring conversation, and you don’t want to be the one leading it.