5 Ways to Subtly Get Out of Awkward Networking Situations

5 Ways to Subtly Get Out of Awkward Networking Situations5 Ways to Subtly Get Out of Awkward Networking SituationsA networking event can be a beautiful thing. Meeting new connections, renewing old ones, broadening your career horizons, enjoying a nice social occasion- its all good, potentially. But things can go awry, and it can be easy to find yourself trapped in awkward networking situations.Face it while a networking eventcan be a great way to advance your career prospects, it comes replete with lots of possibilities for pitfalls and social predicaments. Before you head to your next event, its helpful to figure out ways to make networking less awkward. Figuring how to get out of awkward networking situations beforehand is a wise strategy.Looking for ways to sidestep awkward networking situations? Here are a few tipsScenario 1 Youre cornered and cant break free.Be polite, but firm. Have a good excuse, bring it up, and leave. Possible reasons to help you break free? Youre trying to catch up with another old acquaintance, or you need to dash off in order to buttonhole a rolle from an organization where youre trying to make a connection.Another way to end a conversation when networkingis a sincere offer to keep in touch, and offering a handshake as you do so. The combination of words and body language (the handshake) can serve as a powerful way to signal that youre politely ending the conversation and moving on.Scenario 2 Youve come down with a case of name amnesia.Youve completely forgotten someones name. It could be that youve just honigwein them, or maybe its someone you already know and you just cant remember their name. A few options can help you out here you could draw someone you know into the conversation, introduce that person, and wait for your forgotten person to offer their name.You could also honestly make light of the situation and say something like, Gee, Ive met so many new people today that Im having trouble remembering everyones name. Tell me y our name again? Delivering the line with a big smile or a laugh could deflect any bad feelings and keep the conversation rolling.Scenario 3The conversation has turned to gossip.If the talk turns to harmful, unkind, or untrue comments about someone else, find a graceful way to simply walk away. You can choose to be direct and say outright that you dont like to speak out of school about some whos not there. Then excuse yourself and leave the conversation.Or you could make an excuse like saying you need to refill your drink that you need to go catch up with an old acquaintance across the room or pull out your phone and say you need to make a quick call. You get the idea the point is not to take part in a conversation that could come back to haunt you or hurt your career- or someone elses.Scenario 4You cant get a word in.Getting trapped in a discussion with someone who, frankly, wont shut up may be one of the most painful awkward networking situations. The art of conversation is all abo ut give-and-take and the exchange of thoughts and opinions. But if its all coming from one direction, thats hardly a conversation.Ways to rectify the situation, especially if youve been interrupted mid-sentence, include saying firmly Excuse me, Id like to finish my thought and continue speaking with confidence. If another person is part of the group, turn to face them, and ask their opinion about the topic at hand. In either case, body language is key. Just a slight turn away from the person who wont stop talking moves the attention, and the spotlight, away from that individual.Scenario 5 A request or comment makes you uncomfortable.If someone has made a comment thats completely inappropriate, dont be shy about telling them so. Youll show great strength of character by being completely honest, even if the person making the comment is someone who could do good things for your career. Sure, youre trying to build your professional network, but at the same time you want to be true to th e bedrock principles that will really advance your career over the long-term.For more networking advice, check out our networking tips category.