External Interrupt

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Steering the conversation > External Interrupt

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

If you know that you are going to need an interrupt but are unable to do it in any other way, plan it beforehand such that it looks like you are not doing the interrupting.

You can also do it on the fly by using something that happens around you as distraction and lever for interrupt.

Example

Set your phone to beep you at a certain time.

Send a covert signal to a friend to provide the interrupt on demand.

Somebody new comes into the room so you use this as lever for interruption.

Discussion

This is particularly useful in situations where it is difficult to interrupt, for example when talking with somebody in authority or who you otherwise do not want to upset (and who might well be upset by the interrupt).

The external interrupt