Being interrupted when speaking?

Question

I am often interrupted when speaking whether it be from the person I'm speaking with or from another person who just barges in and starts talking about whatever they feel the need for.
I say it is disrespect and that the speaker is seen as insignificant but I'm told it isn't, that it is just rude. What's your opinion?

Answer 1

I can't stand that! That has to be my biggest pet peeve. You are absolutely right. It is disrespectful and it shows they have no consideration for the one who is speaking when they do that. People who do this are self-centered, plain and simple.

Answer 2

I'd say it's disrespectful towards the speaker and of course very rude. It's disrespectful because it indicates that the person thinks the speaker or what (s)he has to say is insignificant or uninteresting. Why else would someone interrupt the conversation like that?

The only exception is when the conversation is interrupted for good reasons, like if someone needs to pass on an important message or information that can't wait till later.

Answer 3

Interrupting someone when they are speaking is both disrespectful and rude, in my opinion.

There are very few things that truly upset me, but this is one of them. I don't appreciate being interrupted.

I try to be respectful and courteous of others, and I will hear a person out before speaking or wait my turn, as it were.

Although tempting to 'snap', "Excuse me, I was talking!", it is better, in my opinion, to pull that person aside and let them know that although they felt the need to interrupt you, that you didn't appreciate it, and ask that they not do that again. It can be done politely and respectfully, and hopefully a lesson can be learned...

"Treat others the way you would want to be treated."

Answer 4

In life,that would be the mildest situation that would irritate you.

Nevertheless, I would usually look at the situation.If that happens while doing a sales pitch and it comes from the client or someone important,usually I would just let him/her speak. Gaining an upperhand now would not benefit me anyhow.

If it is during a normal conversation,I would stop as well to listen and make my comments after that.You never know if halting the speaker will do you any good as well. Sometimes an interruption during your speech is actually a life saviour.

If talking to staff,I would then ask them to hold their thoughts and carry on with what I am speaking of and then point to them for their turn to speak.

Answer 5

I think it is very rude, if you are already talking and trying to get your point across, and someone interrupts you. It as if what you are saying is of no consequence, and what they have to say is more important. I once walked away from a conversation with a co-worker who constantly did this. When she later asked me what was wrong, I just told her I was no longer needed. She was doing a fine job all by herself! ;)

Answer 6

this could be happening because the person is not interested in what you are saying or they need attention and are not able to give you theirs. for some people this is just their mode of communication and they don't realize that it is burdensome to some people, and then some are not bothered by it at all. i, like you, am bothered by it. when i'm interrupted i ask the person if they are interested in what i have to say. if they say yes then i ask that they let me finish before saying what they want to say. if they say no then i don't waste my breath. if this is a reoccurring problem with the same people, let them know that you feel frustrated because you need to be heard. then ask them if they are willing to begin trying to listen without interrupting. this will give them a choice and you will not have to argue about it. if they are not willing then rethink how much energy you want to spend talking with them.

Answer 7

I think it is rude and disrespectful. If I catch myself doing so. I apologize and let the other person continue. But from experience I would treat him like a 5 year old and say excuse me but I was talking here and continue talking or interupt the conversation just like they did to you. so they know what its like. they are just trying to be "in control"

Answer 8

I think that's totally rude. I used to get very quiet when it happened to me because I thought I just wasn't interesting enough to listen to. Nowadays I just say: "Hey, I'm still talking"and I finish what I was saying, just ignoring the person that interrupted me. When I'm finished I say: "Now what were you saying?"

Answer 9

Yes I think it's rude, although I'm not completely innocent of those charges myself. My husband has a bad habit of doing that. He makes me cringe when he does it to my dad. He doesn't even know he's doing it, but it annoys the life outta me. Someone I work with does it as well, it really bothers me but of couse I never say anything. I guess we've all been guilty of it at one time or another.

Answer 10

i think it is rude but also a form of disrespect..when you barge in and interrupt someone aren't you in a way dismissing what they say and saying(with your action) that what they say isn't important and can be interupted...but then again..sometimes someone talks sooo much and on an on that the only way to get to say anything is to interupt!