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Chances are that you'll want or need to end a conversation with a person or people you don't know. Make up a common excuse to get you out of the conversation and leave the experience positive. You might tell the others that you are: Going to grab another drink or some more food. Making an important phone call. Heading to the restroom. Getting some fresh air. If something or someone interrupts your conversation, take it as end your interaction. This can help you find another person or group with whom to socialize or bring into the conversation. Recognize natural pauses in the conversation. If there are a lot of "ums" and "ahs," this may be your cue to excuse yourself. You could say "oh, I just realized how late it is" after looking at a clock or your watch or "I've really enjoyed talking, but I need to excuse myself and go to the restroom." Look for a common item in the room that jogs your memory. For example, say "wow, I didn't realize that the buffet is closing down so early. I need to grab something to eat because I haven't had dinner yet," after glancing towards the food. See if there is anyone else with whom you've chatted at the event and mention the person to your conversation partner. For example, you could say "You know, I was just talking to that gentleman Tom about this same thing. Maybe we could make our way in that direction and get his views. He had a really interesting take on the matter." Frame your exit as beneficial to your conversation mate or mates. You can make comments such as "I don't want to monopolize your time" to signal that you're ready to finish the conversation. Excuse yourself with phrases such as "I'm sure don't want me to monopolize your time with all of these interesting people around. I'll let you go in the hope that we'll see each other again soon." Ask the person or group for a way to stay in contact or follow up on the conversation. This can naturally cue them that you need to excuse yourself and that the chat is over. Ask the person for their email address or phone number because you'd like to continue the conversation. If you're in a business setting, you can ask if the person has a business card. Let the person know you'll follow up to figure out a way to meet again. Take a quick glance at the information and confirm it back to the person, which shows that you respect her. Make sure to follow up with the person if you've said you will contact her for coffee or another conversation. Bringing the conversation back to what you first discussed can help end the exchange. Repeat the person's name in your final comment and consider asking a question to end on a positive note. Keep this transition natural by asking a question related to what broke the ice. For example, you could say "Sara, I'm so sorry but I have a terrible memory and can't remember the name of that nail polish. Could you please tell me again?" After she mentions it, tell her "I need to find my phone and put the name in before I forget it again."
Make a common excuse. Use an interruption to your benefit. Consider the person's time. Get contact information. Return to the original subject.