Exiting a conversation

Below are two strategies for getting out of a conversation without feeling as though you're being rude:

1. When you're ready to move on, look for a pause of some kind, such as immediately after the other person finishes a point, hand him or her your business card, smile warmly and say, "I've enjoyed chatting with you. I'm going to mingle a bit. But let's stay in touch."

2. If there's food or drink involved, you can always say, "I think I need a refill." Or you can smile mischievously and say, "Excuse me. I need another one of those Swedish meatballs."

Keep in mind that they may be just as ready to end the conversation with you.