Surviving Interruptions

Tired of people finishing your sentences or cutting your stories or opinions short to interject their own? What can you do about annoying interruptions?

For many of us, being interrupted can feel diminishing and condescending, says Maria Venetis, an associate professor of Communication at Rutgers University. Sometimes it’s even “enraging,” she added, “because it suggests that my ideas or my participation aren’t valid.”  Interrupters often have, or believe they have, more power, and they’re used to having people defer when they talk. Jancee Dunn, of The New York Times, studied how to handle interruptions at work and in relationships, and offers these suggestions.

At work:

• Pick your moments. Whether to speak up or let an interruption slide might depend on the importance of your point or whether the interrupter is a repeat offender.
• If you choose to persevere, say something like, “Hold on, I'd like to finish my point.” Or, “Just a sec and I’ll yield the floor.”
• If you’re frequently cut off during meetings, enlist a work buddy who can jump in. (“I’d love to hear what Elisa was saying.”)
• You can also address interruptions before they begin by saying: “I have something to share. I’ll only take a few minutes, and then I’d like to hear your thoughts.” 

In personal relationships:

• Start a conversation about the issue when you are not in the heat of the moment. Then explore the root cause. Ask each other questions like: “How would you describe our conversations and how can they be better?” 
• Subtle body language can work too. If your partner is “coming in hot,” lean forward and put a hand on their forearm, or lift a “hang on” finger.

Who interrupts you the most and how have you tried to correct it? To join the conversation, click "comments" above -- we'd love to hear from you!

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