If you work in an office or a shared work area (or worse, in a “public” space, like a library or a Starbucks), one way to keep interruptions down is to be obviously very busy. If somebody interrupts you, don’t ask how they are. Instead, no matter what you’re doing, ask them if they can wait a moment. Then take a few seconds, finish your task and say, “Sorry, I’m really busy today. What can I do for you?” That sets the stage for a FAST interaction and keeps them on task. No chitchat necessary!