NBC
Since there's no polite way to tell someone to go away, most of us get stuck waiting for that person to leave.
That's where a new Google Chrome Extension called Nope comes in. Created by Breather - the service that lets you rent workspaces by the hour - Nope is incredibly simple, but effective.
Here's how it works:
- Install the extension on your Chrome browser
- A green button with an "N" on it will appear on the top right-hand side of your browser window
- Click on the button. You'll be asked to enter your phone number, then click "Activate"
- When someone comes over to your desk you don't want to talk to, or a conversation is going on too long, subtly click the button again
- Wait about three seconds, and you'll get a call from a New York City area code on your phone
When you pick up, you'll hear a recording of a man with a very deep voice, who quietly instructs you on what to do next.
"OK. Fake some laughter, roll your eyes, and shrug at them with a smile," he says. "Still looking? Fine. Repeat these words after me: 'Yes, of course I can talk now. Whats the matter?' Works every time."
After that, you'll hear some advertising for Breather. The man on the phone supplies you with a code to try Breather out for yourself, but you're not obligated to use the service.
You can download the Nope button in the Chrome Web Store.