I can sense signals pretty quickly, in some cases within seconds, and the outcomes always turn out what I thought they’d be. So why waste each other’s time, how to end a conversation politely?
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Pretend to have technical issues and end the call 
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Can you provide more context? Like is this simply a “wrong vibe” thing, or because certain conditions or terms of the sit come up that won’t work for you…and if the latter — are there examples?
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Some people are nervous or uncomfortable in the initial stage of a chat, I give some leeway for this. However if I spot that there’s a non negotiable that comes up, I’ll say straight away…’ah you’ve just mentioned X and I need to let you know that I’m not able to offer that/do that…’ I think people appreciate straight talking and not time wasting, I know I do. If however it’s a non tangible ‘feeling’ I might test that out by asking how the other person likes to deal with a crisis…. it’s generally revealing.
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You will never have to talk to these people again. This showed in “sitter questions” so if this is a sitter talking to the homeowner:
“I’m sorry to interupt. Based on the conversation so far, I don’t think this is going to work out for either of us [no reason is required, but if it’s something specific eg go ahead]. So I don’t want to waste more of your time. I wish you the best of luck in finding the right match.”
If you are homeowner to a sitter: Very similar!
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True
Would you like to share what crisis and how it reveals
I introduce the idea of my request for the HO to have a nominated local person (friend or family) to be a decision maker if we’re unable to get hold of them immediately for example a sudden pet health event or a home event that’s major not minor. The discussion that follows reveals much about how as a team the HO/sitter relationship might pan out.
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From my experience, they all provided emergency contact
I’m just giving an example …. if this didn’t apply then I’d suggest another example that’d require teamwork to find a solution. It’s a kind of rehearsal ‘test’ if I’ve got misgivings or feelings I can’t put my finger on. It simply provides non specific interpersonal data on which to base a decision. It can also spotlight any disconnect for the other person too.
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Something like this also could work, if you’re talking about a video chat with a host or sitter:
Excuse me, but we’re not a good fit (because I don’t do X or X doesn’t work for me), so I wish you the best in finding a host/sitter who matches. (Then hang up.)
* The parenthetical reason is optional.
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From our experience they also all provided an emergency contact & twice that has proved absolutely useless! The host thought we should find the solution until we pointed out that it was for care of their animals not ours, so their issue to resolve. They now have a new emergency contact. #tadah
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I don’t provide reasons as I don’t owe them, they don’t ask anyways. I don’t want them to know what to avoid talking about with other sitters so they can fall for it and only to find out after the sit has started
Just rip the band aid off. “Sorry but I’m just getting a feeling this won’t work out, and I honor my instincts. Best wishes, but I need to go know. Good bye”
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Note: I said optional. You do you.
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Face to face? I just get a horrified look on my face and run as fast as possible.
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I thought your OP referred to ending a video chat before a sit is confirmed and I think @BonnyinBrighton was referring to that, too. But now I’m confused because emergency contacts are only provided after that, so what chat do you mean?
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I know you said optional
Yes, it is when they are choosing a sitter.
The emergency contacts are from the sits I have done already
This is a great question! I recently, out of politeness, listened to an absolute mismatch of a sitter who had 50ish great reviews. She went on, and on, and on mostly about how she’s a “beach girl” (you can walk to a couple of beaches from my house). I’m usually a very direct person, but I’m also kind and I don’t like to hurt peoples feelings. I need to work on this one and I’ll continue to watch this thread for all of the suggestions.
BTW, the way I got off of this video call was I abruptly cut into her speaking and said “OK. Well thanks for your time, I’ve got one more chat to do and I’ll let you know. Thanks for your time.” Then, within the hour, I sent her a decline with a message that I found the perfect sitter for my Home And thank you for your interest.
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