Loudmouth Interrupt

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Steering the conversation > Loudmouth Interrupt

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Interrupt by talking more loudly than the other person.

Keep on talking loudly until they stop, then slowly lower your volume to a normal level. Sometimes this will be a very short period, but other times will need more persistence.

If they raise their voice, face the competition by talking quicker and louder still. Be prepared to win a shouting competition if necessary.

Example

I DON'T THINK THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO THIS. LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE CONVERSATION ELSEWHERE. THEN WE can decide more carefully.

RIGHT! I'm ready to go. Are you?

Discussion

Loud interruptions are generally impolite, yet are quite common in many conversational situations and is the interruption of choice for surprising number of people.

This is a dominative act that may signal one's power and hence may be used by people who are superiors or who are seeking to gain superiority. Once a person has been shouted down, then the power relationship may well be established and the interrupting person may not need to interrupt so loudly again.

Shouting competitions can sometimes be won by a sudden change in directions, for example by suddenly asking quietly and with a smile, 'Why are we shouting?'

When a person raises their voice for a single word or short period only, they are sending a signal that they are prepared for a battle. This gives the other person space to back down with more dignity than if they were hit with a full-volume assault.