In face-to-face interaction, a whole range of physical doings and positionings, ruled out by the proprieties of maintaining a show of attention and interest, become available and/or required upon termination, for example, those related to leave-taking. In so far as the actions that may be occasioned by termination of the conversation require preparation, there is use for a place in the conversation to prepare for actions that should follow its termination in close order.

On when to go-your exit cues are many. They range from clearcut closing remarks, usually in the form of a “thank you for coming in,” to a vacant and preoccupied stare. But in any case they should come from the interviewer. It should not be necessary for him to stand, abruptly; you should have been able to feel the goodbye in the air far enough in advance to gather up your gear, slide forward to the edge of your chair and launch into a thank-you speech of your own. Nor should it be necessary to ask that embarrassing question, “Am I taking too much of your time?”; if that thought crosses your mind, it's time to go.