How to deal with overly talkative customers & coworkers?

[JakeTheSnake]

Hi folks,

I work in an environment where both my customers and coworkers tend to talk too much. They go off on tangents, or over-discuss things.

It would be much more preferable if they realized that time is valuable and could cut to the chase.

My conventional method of glassing my eyes over and turning my focus to something else is both rude and ineffective, as they do not take the hint.

Elimination of said customers and coworkers is not a possibility at this point :D

What are some strategies you've found helpful in training people to cut to the chase without being rude or hurting their feelings?

[Hostel_Takeover]

"I've got to get back to work" is still the best. It politely backs you out of the conversation while reminding the other party why you share space to begin with...
"I have an important call to make"
"I am in between calls"
"That sounds great, I really have to get going"
"Can we pick this up later, I have a lot of pressing work to get to"
Those are the basics, the best thing you can do is blow past any water cooler discussion to not get wrapped up in the babbling.
Best of luck.
Doh, I gotta run, Cya