Being blunt and straightforward is something that one usually takes pride in; but there comes a situation in life when one has to adapt to several changes and learn the meaning of the word called diplomacy. While there maybe people who like you for your honest criticism and brutal denials, there might be many who dislike you for the same. And in the professional space, it's never an option.

Here are five conversation hacks, which when adopted would not let people dislike you.

1. If you want to escape a casual chat with a talkative colleague, say at the coffee machine, stand with your arms crossed and talk at a speed faster than usual, while looking in the direction of your workstation. This should be the cue that you need to go.

2. Sometimes, you can also use silence as a conversation tool. This can really work when you are sitting down for a negotiation. As you are offered a price which is not as per your expectation, use the tool of silence. Also, when you are in an argument with someone which you would like to end soon, going silent is the biggest way to intimate.

3. When you want to look interested in something that you are actually not paying attention to, eye contact is one thing which would make people think that you are interested in them. Another good way to look attentive is by nodding and repeating one or two sentences that they speak in your own words.

4. When you are asked for help but you don't want to, simply refer the person to someone who could be of help. It's not your headache whether or not the work gets done because you've already made a positive image of yourself by not saying no directly.

5. Make a sandwich of criticism if you don't want to hurt the person to whom it is meant for. This means that while you can start and end the conversation with positive appreciation, a little criticism in the middle of it won't make anyone upset.