If people interrupt you when you speak...

Key Concepts:

• Serial Interrupter: A person who frequently interrupts others during conversations.
• Priming the Conversation: Setting expectations and boundaries at the beginning of a discussion.
• Reclaiming Your Space: Assertively regaining control of the conversation after an interruption.

Managing Serial Interrupters: A Strategy

The core issue addressed is how to effectively manage individuals who habitually interrupt during meetings or discussions. The speaker proposes a proactive strategy centered around "priming the conversation."

Priming the Conversation: Setting Expectations

The initial step involves explicitly stating your intention to share an idea uninterrupted. The speaker suggests using the following phrasing: "Hey look to everyone in the team I want to share my idea if you give me 5 minutes at the end of it I would love to ask for your input but I would love to share my idea completely and wholly is that okay". The purpose is to gain explicit agreement from the team to allow you to present your idea without interruption. This establishes a clear expectation and boundary.

Addressing Interruptions After Priming

Even after priming, interruptions may still occur. The speaker advises a direct but polite approach. For example, if someone named Stephen interrupts, the response should be: "Thanks Stephen i'm still sharing the idea i'll come back to your question in a moment." This acknowledges the interrupter while firmly redirecting the conversation back to the original speaker.

Reclaiming Your Space: Assertive Redirection

The phrase "reclaim your space" emphasizes the importance of assertively regaining control of the conversation. This involves not allowing the interruption to derail the presentation and ensuring that the original speaker's voice is heard.

Conclusion:

The strategy presented offers a practical method for managing serial interrupters. By priming the conversation and assertively reclaiming speaking time, individuals can create a more productive and respectful environment for sharing ideas. The key is to be proactive, direct, and polite in addressing interruptions.