10.) Look them directly in the eyes as they speak. Let your eyes drift over one inch, just short of the ear. Watch them squirm, trying to regain eye contact.
9.)If you have no concept of subtlety, grab a cooking pot or metal collander. Place over head and bang wildly with a large spoon. Yelling helps too!
8.) Pick up a dirty object from the ground, such as a gum wrapper. Say "Hold this for me!" Usually they will take it if only to avoid breaking the tempo of their fascinating monologue. See how many objects they will "hold" for you.
7.) Make a pre-emptive strike. When you sense the onset of a boring conversation, announce that "I agree with everything you have said and will say." This saves a lot of nodding and affirmative grunting.
6.) Remove your shoe. Hold it to your ear and mouth like a phone. Say something like, "Yeah, I'll be there in a second." Politely excuse yourself from the conversation, citing "the warehouse just exploded." Run away.
5.) Sarcasm is a useful commodity. Lay it on thick, the thicker the better. Responses should escalate from "Oh yeah?" to "No way, really?" to "Holy dog crap! That's shocking. Let me sit down." Sweating and panting helps.
4.) If it is a stranger telling you their life story, let them finish. Say, "Oh, I'm sorry, were you talking to me?" (Even though you wer nodding and feigning interest.) Be careful. This could backfire. Some will start over again.
3.) Again if it is a stranger telling you their life story, let them finish. Say, "Oh, that was interesting. Too bad I just missed my plane (or job interview or grandfather's funeral)." Look sad and walk away. They will feel guilty and/or confused. Either would be fine.
2.) As the person babbles, pull out a pen and sheet of paper. Document everything said and frantically cover it up when they glance at it.
1.) Responding with "Oh really?" or "uh huh" is lame. Try "It tastes like chicken!", "But not John Deere!", "Yeah, like you would know" or "That's a lot of weight for two spindly legs, eh?". Alternate these randomly.