Sometimes you'll feel trapped in an unpleasant conversation. It could be with a seat-mate on a plane, or when you're placed next to a difficult person at a social event. It's happened to me while mingling at a business mixer. We've all had this happen.

Most of us prefer to be tactful rather than rude, so what can we do when our co-converser pursues a toxic topic? Examples: political ranting; sales pitches; gossiping; religious proselytizing; "ain't it awful" victim talk; using racist or off-color language.

What you can do: Excuse yourself and head to the restroom. Wait a few minutes. When you return, introduce a new subject. Ask a question that takes the conversation in a different direction. It's a lot easier and less awkward to do this after a 5-minute break than to stop and shift the topic suddenly.

These two spaces -- time and distance -- provide your opportunity.

Don't stay trapped. Take a break.

topic? Examples: political ranting; sales pitches; gossiping; religious proselytizing; "ain't it awful" victim talk; using racist or off-color language.

What you can do: Excuse yourself and head to the restroom. Wait a few minutes. When you return, introduce a new subject. Ask a question that takes the conversation in a different direction. It's a lot easier and less awkward to do this after a 5-minute break than to stop and shift the topic suddenly.

The two spaces of time and distance provide your opportunity.

Don't stay trapped. Take a break.

topic? Examples: political ranting; sales pitches; gossiping; religious proselytizing; "ain't it awful" victim talk; using racist or off-color language.

What you can do: Excuse yourself and head to the restroom. Wait a few minutes. When you return, introduce a new subject. Ask a question that takes the conversation in a different direction. It's a lot easier and less awkward to do this after a 5-minute break than to stop and shift the topic suddenly.

The two spaces of time and distance provide your opportunity.

Don't stay trapped. Take a break.

Just above the header "Better Conversations Newsletter" at the top of this issue, you'll see a Facebook icon. Clicking on that will take you to your Facebook page. The link to this issue will also appear. You can add a comment and post it and your friends will be able to access this newsletter.

To my American subscribers, enjoy Independence Day as you celebrate with friends and family!

Loren Ekroth ©2012, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life.