Watch How Obama Handles Interruptions

Key Concepts

• Interruption Management: Strategies for handling interruptions during conversation.
• Nonverbal Communication: The use of pause and eye contact to signal awareness of an interruption.
• Verbal Assertiveness: Calmly and directly addressing the interruption with a concise statement.
• Pace & Energy Control: Utilizing slower speech and lowered energy to project confidence and regain control of the conversation.
• Diffusion Techniques: Using humor to de-escalate potentially confrontational situations (as exemplified by Barack Obama).

Handling Interruptions: A Communication Strategy

The core focus of this discussion is providing practical techniques for managing interruptions in conversation. The speaker highlights a common challenge – being interrupted – and offers a three-step strategy for responding effectively. The example of Barack Obama is used to illustrate a more advanced, though potentially difficult to execute, technique: using humor to diffuse the situation. The speaker acknowledges that humor isn’t always readily available in the moment, leading to the presentation of a simpler, more readily applicable method.

The Three-Step Interruption Response

The proposed strategy consists of three distinct phases:

1. Pause & Observe: The first step is to immediately stop speaking when interrupted. Crucially, the speaker emphasizes maintaining eye contact with the interrupter. Following the interruption, a deliberate two-second pause is recommended. This pause serves to highlight the interruption itself, making it more noticeable to all parties involved. The silence underscores the disruption of the original speaker’s flow.

2. Name the Interruption Calmly: The second step involves directly, but calmly, acknowledging the interruption. The speaker provides example phrases such as “Thanks, Brian. I wasn’t finished yet,” or “Let me complete my thought, okay?” These statements are designed to clearly communicate that the interrupting behavior is not acceptable without escalating the situation into a conflict. The phrasing is direct but avoids accusatory language.

3. Regain Control with Pace & Energy: The final step focuses on regaining control of the conversation through deliberate adjustments in speech. The speaker advises continuing to speak at a slower pace than normal and lowering one’s energy level. This deliberate slowing and reduction in energy are presented as signals of “ultimate confidence.” The implication is that a calm, measured response projects authority and discourages further interruption.

Real-World Application & Obama's Example

The speaker uses Barack Obama as a case study, noting his use of humor to address interruptions. This is presented as an effective, but more complex, technique. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of spontaneously generating humor under pressure, making the three-step strategy a more accessible alternative for most individuals. The Obama example serves to demonstrate that multiple approaches to interruption management exist, with varying degrees of difficulty.

Underlying Principles & Communication Dynamics

The strategy relies on several key communication principles. The pause leverages the power of silence to draw attention to the interruption. The calm verbal response asserts boundaries without aggression. The controlled pace and energy demonstrate self-assurance and discourage further disruption. The overall approach emphasizes assertive, rather than aggressive, communication.

Call to Action

The video concludes with a direct call to action, encouraging viewers to implement the described strategy in their next encounter with an interruption. It also prompts viewers to “follow for more tips to communicate better.”