When a conversation isn't a conversation

I've just had an interaction with a member of my local community. You know the type, exchanging pleasantries then moving on to go about one's business. Actually, the moving on bit was a little more problematic. Reading body language was not a strength for this person. As I looked at my watch, turned my body as if to move away, nothing was making any difference or stemming the flow of words. What started out as an exchange of pleasantries turned into a monologue of updates on family issues, love lives, car purchases and minor ailments, without pause for breath or any interest in my situation. 

In a work setting I would have no qualms on offering feedback on what it is to partake in real conversation. But this wasn't work, and in a social setting, good manners prevailed and I eventually got away when inevitably this person stopped for breath. Maybe there's an opening in the market for training conversation as a social skill. Or maybe not.