Being Interrupted During Conversations Is Most Likely Your Fault: Here's What to Do About It! by Stacey Hanke

Most people believe they get interrupted because that is simply how the interrupting person behaves. In reality, the blame more often lies with the speaker rather than the interrupter. Your listeners may be interrupting you because you take too long to get to the point or because you never pause to let them get a word in edgewise.

Another reason why you may be getting interrupted is due to any distracting behaviors that are overpowering your message. When your body language is inconsistent with your message, your listener is confused with what you are saying. Do they follow your message or what your body language is communicating? You probably can relate to this example. The individual leading a meeting emphasizes how important it is for everyone to stay within the budget to meet the client’s needs yet their posture, facial expressions and voice communicate there really isn’t an emergency. Your natural response to this situation might be to:

• Jump in and interrupt the interrupter.
• Continue talking over the interrupter.
• Allow the interrupter to take control of the conversation.
• Ignore the situation all together.

It is time for a self-check-in if you are falling victim to the interruptions. When you are frequently interrupted and you are not effective with pulling the conversation back on track, you run the risk of jeopardizing your reputation and relationship. The perception others create of you consists of lacking confidence, credibility, trust and leadership. No one wants to follow someone who breaks under challenging situations like interruptions.

Here are 5 steps to apply during every conversation to avoid being interrupted!