I'm noticing more and more (specifically at work), that when I'm talking to someone, a lot of co-workers feel it's alright to grab my listener's attention by just running over my words and to begin talking to the listener. No "excuse me" or "I'm sorry to interrupt but...." And even worse, my listener's attention immediately snaps to the interrupter. Sometimes I notice that what I'm being interrupted with is more important than what I'm saying, but even then, I should be respected. Most times, I just stop talking and become forgotten. This embarrasses me and makes me feel like no one has respect for me. I have no problem speaking my mind, I'm just stumped on how to handle this assertively, being firm but polite.
2007-06-20 11:04:15 · 13 answers · asked by Amber 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Maybe something like, "I'm sure you wouldn't have interrupted me unless this was very important, so "name of person you were talking to", I'm going to go back to my desk. When they finish with what they want to say, come get me and we will finish our conversation."
If they are interrupting you for something obviously trivial: "I'm sorry, we were in the middle of something. Could you give us thirty seconds to finish?"
My gut tells me it has become a problem for you because you don't speak up. Whether it is true or not, it makes you appear to lack confidence. But even people with no manners tend to think twice about interrupting someone who will call them out. And your listeners will be less apt to tune you out so quickly if you assert yourself a little more.
2007-06-20 11:23:23 · answer #1 · answered by MaxitudesMamma 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like the world in general is becoming more and more self-absorbed. So much so that people aren't even aware that they are being rude, because they don't really notice the other people around them. I have co-workers I don't even talk with, because I know I'll never be able to finish a thought. One lady will even ask you a question, then start talking again before you can finish your answer!
As far as your work situation, I don't think it's a matter of respect for you, I think it's more that your co-workers want to get their words out so bad they forget someone else was already talking. Try interrupting back. When they start speaking, say over them, "Excuse me, maybe you didn't notice, but I was already talking." If this doesn't work, then maybe they are lost to the cause of "me me me."
2007-06-20 11:16:30 · answer #2 · answered by julz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah, yeah...but everyone...what she really is trying to say is...
Just kidding.
First thing...
You mentioned that others pay attention to the interrupter and they are often saying something more important.
Make sure that what you are saying is important, relevant, or interesting. Don't over talk and be consise. The listener may be listening to you to be polite, but not really interested in what you are saying. That also may be why you are being interrupted. Others may get impatient with you.
I rarely get interrupted because I don't feel compelled to talk all the time. I only give my opinion when it is a strong one and when I am fairly sure that what I am saying is well thought out. As a result, people ask for my opinion instead of interrupting me.
Consider what you are talking about when people interrupt you. If this is a common problem...you need to determine why people don't want to hear what you have to say.
2007-06-20 11:22:22 · answer #3 · answered by Flyer 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I hate more than that is when I go into a shop to buy something, and the clerk cuts me off mid-sentance to go answer the phone - to serve THAT customer!
I actually make the effort to go down there in person just so some @#%& can sit on their @ss - and get served first!!!
Usually when that happens - I just walk right out the door. Bye bye sale ;);)
People in this world are just ignorant that way - and most of them have the attention span of a two-year old!
Sometimes the only way to beat them is to join them - if you can't get their attention any other way, then just grab them back the same way they were taken from you... ONLY try this if you can't get anything else to work - you don't want to sink down to their level unless you are truly desperate!
2007-06-20 13:18:59 · answer #4 · answered by kr_toronto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. People seem to be getting more and more rude.
I work in an office with 3 other managers and our employees think nothing of walking in and asking questions right in the middle of our conversation.
On the occassions where I have said "Just a moment" or "I'll be right with you" they act like I am being rude without ever noticing their own actions!
Go figure...
2007-06-20 13:00:44 · answer #5 · answered by Buddha13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happens to me as well. These days I do go for the "excuse me..." approach mentioned above. Polite but to the point.
2007-06-20 11:15:58 · answer #6 · answered by James Melton 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When someone interrupts me I just say, "Excuse me but I wasn't finished yet!"
2007-06-20 11:10:35 · answer #7 · answered by Coop's Wife 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Walk Away! Then they will watch you. Whenever they ask why you walked away, then explain to them how you feel. Such as a pet peeve.
2007-06-20 11:51:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you are talking way too much. Try talking less.
2007-06-20 23:59:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to whoever is doing that immediately.
Don't wait.
That is very rude of them to do that, and they need to be reminded of that.
2007-06-20 11:15:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋