Power Interrupt

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Steering the conversation > Power Interrupt

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Use the power that you have to butt into the conversation. This may include:

Use dominant or power body language.
If you have a position of formal authority just start speaking whenever you want.
Use power words and persuasive language.
Use their name.
Use expert power, asserting superior knowledge.
Use charisma and social position.

If others try to compete, use power to retain control, for example staring them down or just keeping talking as if you have the right.

Remember that you often have more power than you may realize. Just being assertive may be all you need.

Example

That won't work. I've been doing this stuff for years and the way we should be doing it is...

Richard, you clearly have good ideas here. I wonder if I can add some thoughts...

Discussion

Conversational power often belongs to the person who takes it and the use of power signals to others that you have the right to interrupt at any time you please.

If a person succeeds at using a power interrupt, they increase their power in the social situation. Interruption may thus be used as a power ploy, purely to gain and demonstrate power.