Excuse Me! I Wasn't Finished Yet!
Have you ever been in the middle of sharing a great idea—or even just finishing a sentence, when someone cuts you off mid-thought? That momentary flash of frustration, the feeling of being overlooked or dismissed, is something most of us know all too well. In this episode, we’re digging into the dynamics of interruptions, and what they really mean, why they happen, and how we can respond with clarity, confidence, and grace. From the workplace to our closest relationships, the way we handle being interrupted (or how often we interrupt others) can either build trust or quietly erode it.
We’ll unpack the three main types of interruptions: power, rapport, and neutral and explore why some people dominate conversations while others unknowingly jump in out of eagerness or anxiety. The conversation gets especially interesting when we look at how cultural differences and neurodivergence affect how interruptions are perceived. Did you know that in some cultures, overlapping speech signals enthusiasm and connection, while in others it’s seen as flat-out rude? Or that some people may interrupt simply to avoid forgetting their thoughts, not because they’re trying to hijack the conversation?
Whether you’re someone who often gets interrupted or you’re realizing you might be doing the interrupting, this episode offers practical ways to handle both roles. You’ll walk away with specific language to use in the moment, tips on staying regulated when you feel dismissed, and advice for building conversations that feel inclusive, respectful, and productive. It's not just about talking, it’s about being heard, and learning how to truly listen.
Episode Highlights:
[02:57] Today, we're tackling conversation interruptions. Have you ever been cut off mid-conversation and felt like your feelings have been hijacked?
[04:12] Interruptions can happen during any conversation. It breaks the flow of your speech or pattern of thought. It's when someone interjects their own thoughts in the middle of someone's sentence.
[05:30] It can depend on someone's conversational style on how they perceive and interruption. We need to approach communication with a higher level of awareness.
[06:38] Think about taking a pause and thinking about your audience before you assume the worst.
[07:03] Power interruptions are when the interrupter wants to take control or display dominance. Their viewpoint is more important than the speakers.
[07:25] Rapport Interrupters intend to build a connection and show engagement.
[08:04] Neutral interruptions do not carry power or the intent to disrupt. They may interject into the conversation if the speaker hasn't invited other opinions.
[09:07] Why do people interrupt others? It can range from unintentional habits to calculated behaviors to not even being aware that you're doing it.
[10:28] People may interrupt because they desire dominance or control. It's necessary for impactful leaders to have a high level of emotional intelligence.
[11:01] You can learn more in my book, THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders.
[11:55] Men are more likely to interrupt women.
[12:43] Interrupters can sometimes be impatient or feel very eager.
[14:16] Sometimes behaviors that resemble an interruption could be from a neurodevelopmental disorder like ADHD.
[15:27] Cultural differences also have an effect on how interruptions are perceived. Communication styles can vary significantly across cultures.
[16:26] How to respond to interruptions when they happen.
[17:21] Remain calm and maintain your composure to be calmly assertive. Take a deep breath and don't take it personally.
[19:53] Use "I" statements to own what you're thinking and feeling.
[20:23] Ways to proactively shift your behavior if you're the interrupter. 1. Practice active listening by consciously focusing on what the speaker is saying. 2. Take a moment to pause before speaking. 3. Write down your thoughts. 4. Focus on the topic, not yourself.
[22:27] Understanding and managing conversation interruptions is a crucial step towards building healthier and more productive relationships.
Resources & Links Related to this Episode
THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders
THINK Globally LEAD Strategically: A Christian Guide to Building Effective Leaders
Stanford Researcher Examines How People Perceive Interruptions In Conversation
The Psychology of Interrupting (Why People Interrupt and How to Manage It)
