How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Encouragement Interrupt

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Steering the conversation > Encouragement Interrupt

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Say something short that will keep them talking. Encouragement interrupts include:

Exclamations that show your interest in what the other person is saying.
Repeating a single word a short phrase that they have said. This may be voiced as a query.
Asking a question.
Using non-words, such as 'uh-huh', 'mmm', etc.

Although it is not an interrupt, you can use body language to encourage, such as nodding, gazing intently and raising eyebrows.

Example

Really! That's amazing.

Mmm. When?

Saturday?

Discussion

Not all interrupts have to be to take control. of the conversation. Listening is a critical conversational skill and the encouragement interrupt shows your interest in the other person and their opinions and also give you more information.