Drop everything right now and listen to me! I have something to say that’s more important than whatever you’re doing or saying.
Rude, right? Were you annoyed with me for a moment? (Maybe you still are.)
That is essentially what we’re saying when we interrupt someone. Most of the time we really aren’t thinking that way, but that’s what interruptions communicate.
Has someone ever interrupted you? Frustrating, right? It can make you feel trampled or that what you had to say wasn’t important. I know some people who want to be the one to share stories or news, and even if I begin talking first, they have to jump in. Grrr. If someone is a habitual interrupter, I’m not eager to spend time with them. (Or I tend to talk faster, so I have a chance to finish my thought before being cut off.)
Have you ever interrupted someone? I’m not a loud person, but I know I’ve still been guilty of interrupting. Ugh. I’m not sure why it happens. Maybe someone is stumbling around and I think I know where the speaker is going and that I can get there faster. Or maybe I get so caught up in the thought bubbling around in my head that I stop listening and start talking instead. Whatever the reason, it’s selfish and condescending, so I don’t want it to become a habit.
Here are 7 ways to avoid interrupting:
- Catch yourself in the act. Stop yourself and apologize.
- Post reminders to let others finish talking at your table, desk, and on your phone.
- Ask friends and family to let you know when you cut them off.
- Write down what you want to say if you’re afraid you’ll forget before your turn to talk. (Only in situations where this doesn’t appear rude.)
- Force yourself to listen without thinking about a response.
- Recall times when others have interrupted you, and think about how it felt.
- Reward yourself when you go a day without interrupting people.
Now feel free to continue what you were doing before I so rudely interrupted you.