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Interrupting

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Steering the conversation > Interrupting

Interruption techniques | Articles about interrupting | See also

Interrupting the the other person is one of the key skills of conversation, particularly where you want to change the other person's mind.

Interruption techniques

There are a number of interruption techniques you can use to 'grab the baton', taking control of the conversation. Here are some of the common methods available:

• Agreement Interrupt: Enthusiastically agree.
• Body Language Interrupt: Non-verbal signal intent to butt in.
• Clarification Interrupt: Ask for clarification. Check you understand.
• Continuation Interrupt: Pick up where they might leave off.
• Disagreement Interrupt: Disagree with what is said.
• Disinterest Interrupt: Appear disinterested in what they say.
• Distraction Interrupt: Become distracted by something else.
• Encouragement Interrupt: Keep them talking.
• External Interrupt: Use a third party to interrupt.
• Identity Interrupt: Prod the identity of the person.
• Loudmouth Interrupt: Talk more loudly than the other person.
• Motormouth Interrupt: Jumpinandtalkquickly.
• Question Interrupt: Just ask them a question.
• Power Interrupt: Use your power to grab control.
• Permission Interrupt: Ask if you can interrupt.
• Touch Interrupt: Touch them gently as you interrupt.
• 'Yes, and' Interrupt: Say 'Yes, and,...'
• 'Yes, but' Interrupt: Say 'Yes, but...'

Articles about Interrupting

Interrupting can be a tricky subject. Here are some more tips and observations.

• When to interrupt: So they let you in and listen.
• When not to interrupt: Sometimes it best to listen for a while.
• When to let others interrupt: Going the other way.
• When not to let them interrupt: Sometimes you need to keep talking.
• How to stop people interrupting: Useful when you want to finish.
• Overlapping speech: We often start before others stop.
• Technology and interruption: It grabs you, doesn't it?

See also

Interruption principle

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