Body Language Interrupt

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Steering the conversation > Body Language Interrupt

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Signal using your body language that you want to speak. Use face, head, hands, feet and your whole body.

This is best done naturally. Think about wanting to interrupt and let your body signal for you.

Example

• Leaning forwards or inclining the head
• Being agitated, minor twitches
• Opening mouth slightly
• Holding hands forward, perhaps as if they are about to grasp something
• Raising eyebrows
• Holding up your hand, palm outwards in a 'stop' signal
• Showing a fist or other aggressive signal

Discussion

If the other person is using deep listening, then they will easily see your subtle signals. Few people do this, so you may need to be more obvious.

When done most effectively, the other person only notices subconsciously and may pause, leaving you the space to pick up the baton.

See also

Using Body Language