1. Interrupting Less

Updated: Jun 7, 2021

Development Guide

According to an article from Medium, not all conversational interrupting is the same. Katherine Hilton, a Stanford doctoral candidate in linguistics, surveyed 5,000 American English speakers to understand better what affects people’s perceptions of interruptions.

“American English speakers have different conversational styles. She (Hilton) identified two distinct groups: high- and low-intensity speakers. High-intensity speakers are generally uncomfortable with moments of silence in conversation and consider talking at the same time a sign of engagement. Low-intensity speakers find simultaneous chatter to be rude and prefer people speak one at a time in conversation.”

Lisa also notes the below as some of the reason people interrupt:

Please hear me out. A person wants their voice heard.
I’m dying to speak. Others are excited and can’t wait to relay their point of view.
Hurry up! Some people lack patience with others.
On-and-on. Ramblers speak in one constant stream of consciousness.
Modus operandi. Sometimes interrupting is how people process. The interruption signals the listener is actively engaged.

Tips and Tricks

So here are a few tips we recommend to help avoid interruptions.

Discuss a plan on how you will request to speak.

Unmute to speak

Raise your hand (Raise something bright)

Raise zoom hand

Delegate a facilitator, like a driver of the session.

This person will ask participant’s input

Keep track of what is said

Can use the chat feature to note things

Keep your camera on to help others see your expressions or note that you want to speak.

Not everything needs to be said unmuted.

Use social cues like your head or face expression or hands / thumbs up, heart shape, clap!

Wait for the dip or pause. Let the speaking person finish their sentence or train of thought.

Add a little extra time here than you would while in-person due to internet delays, so you can be sure they are finished

If you must get through, then give a heads up like:

“Excuse me, I’d like to say something.”

“I’ve been listening, and I’d like to give a suggestion.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but we’re running out of time, so here’s an idea.”

“Everyone, I need you to hear me out right now.”

Use headphones. This will help alleviate you having to ask what the person said and also helps in making your speech clearer.

Ask the person interrupting to hold their thoughts. Be polite. This might help them become more conscious and aware.

“Just one minute, I am almost done.”

“Hey Mary, can I have a few more seconds to finish my thoughts?”

Summary

A little courtesy goes a long way on a video conference so be extra courteous! Being courteous will help minimize the awkwardness of talking on top of each other. Don’t always assume someone is done speaking because there is a slight pause, they might just need to catch their breath or formulate their next words. Remember, everyone is entitled to have a voice.

Keep practicing with MAXIMYZ and this skill will become natural in no time!

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