Do you have a habit of interrupting or cutting people off?

Maybe you’re full of ideas and simply cannot wait to share them with the group. This is a wonderful attribute, and one that you should be proud of — your ability to think on the spot and confidently express your opinion and thought. 

That being said, interrupting is impolite. And to truly develop yourself personally and professionally there is one skill that stands out as a mark of true civility and respect: the ability to refrain from interrupting others. 

Interrupting not only disrupts the flow of conversation but also undermines the speaker’s message and can damage relationships. Fortunately, mastering the art of not interrupting is within reach for anyone willing to cultivate awareness, practice active listening, and exercise self-control.

The best news is that if you are reading this article, you have already cultivated awareness that this is an opportunity of growth for you. 

This is the first and most crucial step. When engaged in a conversation pay attention and acknowledge your thoughts and impulses. Are you eagerly waiting for the other person to finish speaking so you can interject with your own thoughts? Are you formulating your response before the speaker has even concluded? By becoming aware of these tendencies, you can begin to address them.

Walk into your conversations understanding the purpose of the conversation.

Conversations are not merely about speaking; they are about listening, understanding, and connecting with others. Shift your focus from waiting for your turn to speak to genuinely comprehending what the other person is saying. Remind yourself that every interruption disrupts this flow of understanding and diminishes the quality of communication.

Work towards developing your active listening skills:

Active listening is the cornerstone of meaningful communication. It involves giving the speaker your full attention, acknowledging their words, and responding thoughtfully. Practice maintaining eye contact, nodding in acknowledgment, and thinking about the speaker’s points.

By actively engaging with the speaker’s words, you create a conducive environment for open dialogue and mutual respect.

Give yourself a pep talk and make it a goal to exercise self-control before joining a friend for coffee or a meeting with colleagues.

Self-control is essential in preventing the impulse to interrupt. When you feel the urge to interject, pause and take a deep breath. Remind yourself that your input can wait until the speaker has finished expressing their thoughts. Embrace the discomfort of momentarily holding back and trust that your opportunity to speak will come in due time.

Remember the golden rule of communication!

Before you decide to respond, ask yourself if what you are about to say is true, necessary to the conversation, and kind. I always find that when I take time to consider the significance of my contribution to a conversation, it is a way to ensure that my words add value, respect others, and add to the conversation rather than detract from it. This helps me to develop confidence around my words, develop a genuine connection with others, and uphold my reputation in professional settings.

Remember that your opinion is valuable – express it with the reverence it deserves!

Developing the understanding that expressing your thoughts and opinions with tact will enhance their impact. This will motivate you to choose your words carefully, consider the feelings and perspectives of others, and avoid interrupting others so that you have a captivated audience. 

Mastering the art of communication is a journey, and if you make it a point to respect others, and your opinion by working towards avoiding interrupting others you will gain composure and self-awareness that will help you build relationships more effectively and develop a more professional reputation.

This type of intentional communication requires a combination of awareness, active listening, and self-control. By continuing to develop your skills and adhering to the principles of true, necessary, and kind communication, you can elevate the quality of your interactions to meet your personal and professional goals. 

The next time you feel yourself about to interrupt, remember the power of listening and the impact of thoughtful expression.

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