I have a bad habit of interrupting in conversation. How can I learn not to do this?

Answer 1

don't worry, interrupting other's speech is actually an attempt to emphatize with what they're saying, i.e: you're trying to finish what they're saying, or jump ahead in the conversation to the next topic

but it's also an expression of your impatience and lack of focus / self control

it's not a bad thing, but it will bother others when they have the need to express themselves, will look as if you do not value what they are saying

here are some therapies you can try:
1. slow down when talking - most people who intterupts also talks like a machine gun, try to say everything clearly and with inflections
2. "enjoy" listening to others, meaning you concentrate on what they had to say, focus, focus, focus
3. wait for intervals between their speech before you speak
4. use minor hand signals to show that you need to speak before speaking ( i personally just move forward a fraction of an inch, this usually is recognized as a need to speak )
5. and finally... think before you talk

in my circle, i have two friends who had the same problems, both female and can easily controlled by sudden movements ( if i clap suddenly, they'd yell or something ) - again, it's a lack of self control and focus

we helped them change gradually with support and reminders

hope this helps

Answer 2

You need to develop good listener skills. You need to treat the other person's words as important to the puzzle. When you have all the pieces or as much as you can get, then ask your questions or make your comments to help build the puzzle (actually the conversation).

Be a good listener
Be polite
Listen with high interest
Respect the other person's point of view

Remember the Wise Old Owl Motto

There was a wise old owl that live in a tree.
The more he heard the less he spoke.
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can we not all be like that wise old bird?

Answer 3

When you have realised this that this is a bad habit I am sure you will be able to get rid of this habit.
Just keep remembering this when you are talking to someone that you will not interupt till 1st person finishes the talk.

U just have to think this twice & your strong will power will give you confidence to outcome this problem will make you get rid of this.

Cheers here you go

Answer 4

Other than cutting out your tongue, the only solution is to avoid people who talk too much and never let you get your say in without having to interrupt.After all,you would not have to interrupt if other people were not hogging the conversation and boring you to death.Why fight your instincts?Tell them what you think and don't let them dominate the talking.Thats what priests and politicians do.They never listen to anyone at all.

Answer 5

The real art of conversation is to be able to listen.Please do not think I am being mean, but no one really wants to hear what you have to say. People want to express their own ideas and opinions but care little about what others think or feel.
1, Tell yourself that you are going to listen to others and learn from them.

2, Tell yourself that you are going to make others happy by being attentive and making them feel important because you are really listening to what they have to say.

3, Remember that no one will ever know how dumb or how smart you really are if you keep your mouth closed.

Answer 6

I do this as well. My dad taught me to just nod or say hummmhumm rather then saying anything. Remember when you are talking how much you like to finish what you are saying. If other have tips other then this I will be checking back because I still find myself slipping and doing this; especially with family members.

Answer 7

Just have a habit of listening the interesting things in others speech....

Answer 8

Try to listen to what the other person is saying. Also if you respect others too, you won't feel like interrupting.

Answer 9

think why the parson who said something said that and the person who replied replied in that way. if you are thinking you may not speak. and remember, speech is silver, silence is golden. also to train your brain to think without participating, try to sit in a crowded place(room, restaurant, bus stn, rly stn) and observe people.

Answer 10

Their is many ways, but body language is one, like how they sit, if they are moving around in their seat, have a habit, relaxed...ect...