How to tell someone to, um, shut up

[suelynn]

I was absolutely amazed when I read this today - I have almost exactly the same problem.  I sit opposite a really lovely lady but she can talk for England and she doesn't shut up when I have headphones in doing audio.  I have been racking my brains for some way to solve it - like your poster's colleague, she is a very emotional, tearful lady and I'm afraid if I say anything she will get really upset.  All I can do is try to keep typing and hope the boss comes out and gives her another job or her phone rings so I can have some peace.  Are these sort of people clones are or they more common than we think?

[twhfan]

I finally dealt with this.  I got a lot a great advice from everyone here, thought it over and decided that the direct approach was best.  I shut the door, asked her if she had a minute to talk (no, she got HOURS to talk!).  Then I told her that my boss had mentioned during my performance appraisal that she was not pleased with all the chatter coming from our office.

Then, I said that I was concerned about possible disciplinary action if the excess chatter didn't cease.  I asked her to help me by reminding me to stop talking if I was talking too much.  This way, I put the blame on myself, (as though I was the big talker) and she didn't get too upset. At least there weren't any tears or theatrics.

We talk for just a couple of minutes when I get to the office.  Then I make a nervous glance or 2 towards the door, and that does the trick.

Thanks again to everyone for all the great (and sometimes funny) advice!

[robinbracy]

Hi,
what do you mean use the 'shameless plug'.  My coworker never, ever shuts up.  I want to slap her.  So what is the shameless plug

thanks,

Robin

[raindance]

I think the "shameless plug" refers to suggesting that the talkative co-worker should log  onto the Deskdemon website (and see what a great website it is).

I would probably get an Olympic Gold Medal for talking , but I don't sit opposite anyone (except bossie in next room).  So this thread is definitely not about me.  

Raindance