How to tell a noisy coworker to shut up without making them hate you

"Loud and talkative coworkers can be one of the most annoying distractions on earth - and, unfortunately, they're pretty common in today's workplace," says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert, leadership coach, and author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job."

Dealing with a noisy coworker can be awkward, explains Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage." "Most people want to avoid conflict, as it's natural to want to get along and be liked by all your colleagues and to not be seen as high maintenance or a whiner, so the tendency is to grit your teeth and put up with it."

But Taylor says when you're dealing with a protracted situation that affects your livelihood and productivity - for instance, when your neighbor's voice carries into your client phone call, or distracts you from being able to compose an email - you know the line's been crossed and you must take action. "It's time to prepare for a diplomatic conversation and choose your words carefully," she says.

Here's what you can do: