How to interrupt politely
Ways to make sure your own contributions get air time
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A reader suggested I recommend ways to interrupt someone politely, noting,
As an introvert, I have found that if I don't interrupt the talkers/extroverts, the conversation ends before I get an opportunity to contribute. This is particularly true in business meetings.
I loved this suggestion because, as a mediator, I need to have solid interruption skills, ideally ones that feel less like an interruption and more like moving with the natural flow of conversation. But it’s more in my nature to stay on the edge of conversation, letting others jump in first. Becoming a college dean and professor years ago demanded that I up my game.
Since I’m a big fan of putting energy where it’ll have the most effect, let me start by saying that this idea of Buckminster Fuller’s informs a lot of my thinking about interrupting:
Don’t fight forces; use them.
BUCKMINSTER FULLER