How to Interrupt People

Techniques > How to > How to Interrupt People

When other people are speaking, how do you butt in and interrupt them, so you can speak? And what if a group of other people are talking together -- how do you join the circle then? Here is a wide range of methods you can use to get noticed.

Interruption techniques

There are a number of way you can 'grab the baton', taking control of the conversation so you can have your say. Here are some of the common techniques that you can use:

Agreement Interrupt: Enthusiastically agree.

Body Language Interrupt: Non-verbal signal intent to butt in.

Challenge Interrupt: Challenge the truth of what they just said.

Clarification Interrupt: Ask for clarification. Check you understand.

Continuation Interrupt: Pick up where they might leave off.

Disagreement Interrupt: Disagree with what is said.

Disinterest Interrupt: Appear disinterested in what they say.

Distraction Interrupt: Become distracted by something else.

Encouragement Interrupt: Keep them talking.

External Interrupt: Use a third party to interrupt.

Identity Interrupt: Prod the identity of the person.

Laughter Interrupt: Laugh at their cracks.

Loudmouth Interrupt: Talk more loudly than the other person.

Motormouth Interrupt: Jumpinandtalkquickly.

Question Interrupt: Just ask them a question.

Power Interrupt: Use your power to grab control.

Permission Interrupt: Ask if you can interrupt.

Touch Interrupt: Touch them gently as you interrupt.

'Yes, and' Interrupt: Say 'Yes, and,...'

'Yes, but' Interrupt: Say 'Yes, but...'

Articles about Interrupting

Interrupting can be a difficult subject. Here are some more tips and observations that will help you interrupt at the right time and not interrupt when you should not.

Quick links

How to Interrupt People

Interruption techniques

Articles about Interrupting

See also

Site Menu

You can buy books here

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And

Site Menu

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And