Speaking well is not enough to make someone an engaging conversationalist; you also need to be able to listen well. However, sometimes, we fail to recognize that we are rudely interrupting the other person and taking away all pleasure from the conversation.
These are a few indicators that you inadvertently interrupt others to continue speaking. Correcting this error will make people want to speak with you more frequently.
10 Signs you’re interrupting others without realizing it
1. Whenever you start talking, people look at you with displeasure
Have you ever noticed people rolling their eyes or sighing when you speak? This may be a sign that you are interrupting their words. Of course, you have something to say, but so do they.
Pay attention to the other person’s reaction the next time you chat. If he looks unhappy or annoyed, even though you are discussing pleasant and interesting things, it may be time to take a break and listen to him.
2. You are the star of every discussion
If you are often the main voice in a conversation, then you block the way of others with enviable frequency. For example, in group chats, you drop pictures unrelated to the topic or interrupt a conversation with an interesting question far from what was discussed.
Flip the script and focus on what other people bring to the conversation. Reply to their messages, be interested in their thoughts, and allow them to be the center of attention. Be involved to be a chat star and a good friend.
3. Clarifying questions is not your thing
Another sign that you are passionate about what you are saying, rather than the conversation, is the inability to ask clarifying questions. You are always ready to answer but never ask the interlocutors what they mean or their opinion on this or that occasion.
The next time your friend tells you a story, ask him the question, “Wow, I wonder what happened next?” or “What feelings did that make you feel?”. This will show that you are listening to him and interested in the conversation, not just waiting for your turn to speak out. V I S I T A F R I N I K. C O M to read more. It also helps you learn something really interesting and strengthen your relationship with someone you care about.
4. You always feel that you have to correct people
Yes, it can be very annoying when a person mispronounces a word, repeats part of a story a second time, or distorts details. At such moments, you may have a passionate desire to correct him or, better yet, tell him why he is wrong.
Interfering in a person’s speech in the middle of a word, firstly, you disrespect him, and secondly, you look too dismissive and pompous. This behavior seems unpleasant and inappropriate for most people, increasing the chance that they will want to negate communication with you. Learn to relax and let go of some things.
Do not correct a friend if, in a fit of emotion, he made a mistake in emphasis or repeats what worries him. A misquoted fact or an oversight does not always need to be corrected, especially if you and your interlocutor are not at a scientific conference but drinking tea at a party.
5. Always bring the conversation back to yourself
You may have noticed that, in some incredible way, most conversations return to the stories, experiences, or opinions you’ve told. This may be a sign that you interrupt people too often.
Sharing your thoughts is important, but don’t forget to listen to those around you. The next time you’re conversing, focus on the other person’s words and engage in their story as if it were your own.
6. You’re missing emotional cues in conversations
The habit of interrupting people means you miss the emotional signals in a conversation. You get involved in the dialogue so quickly that you don’t have time to notice that the other person is going to share something important and personal.
And you know, it’s a shame when you’re about to open up to someone, but they don’t pay attention to it. Watch for subtle signs that a person needs to speak out. It can be a deep sigh followed by a pause or a downcast look against the background of trembling hands. Never take over the conversation at such moments — it is better to let others express their emotions without haste than to be called an insensitive and disrespectful person.
7. You are often told the phrase, “Let me finish”
Alas, it happens that you get so carried away with talking about something interesting that you literally stop hearing other people. And they have to say something like “Let me finish,” trying to reason with you and point out that they don’t like being interrupted. This is a pretty clear sign that you have overdone the amount of your own speech and started speaking at the wrong time. This is a warning that it’s time to hear from others and show respect for them.
8. You often wonder how quickly the conversation ends
You may notice that your conversations with other people end suspiciously quickly. You are interested in being together, but simultaneously, the dialogue turns out to be superficial, and the interlocutor is too busy to continue communicating.
When you constantly interrupt others, you don’t notice where a person is going with their story or point of view, and ending a conversation can take you by surprise and cause disappointment. To avoid this, try to go with the flow of the conversation rather than trying to take all the attention on yourself. Also, let the other person control the dialogue so that it lasts longer and is pleasant for both you and him.
9. You quickly give advice or share your experience
Using the phrase “Oh, it happened to me too,” when someone shares problems, you interrupt the person. And if you immediately share your experience or give advice, you are doubly interrupting. Sharing something personal with friends and discussing difficulties is natural, but it’s not always worth taking the initiative quickly.
Try to listen to the other person first and acknowledge their experience, only then say that you were once in the same situation as him. This will show that you care about what he is going through and help you share your experience while keeping communication healthy and enjoyable.
10. You get uneasy during conversation pauses
Many people worry when there is an awkward pause in a conversation. Some get lost and wait for the interlocutor to correct the situation, while others take responsibility for the “continuity of the ether” into their own hands. But a pause is an important element of a conversation with a person.
He may need to collect his thoughts, choose the words, or even decide to say them. Let the conversation “breathe in” pauses to avoid looking too chatty and make communication comfortable for the interlocutor. This is especially important when you are discussing problems, talking about feelings, or having a dialogue on the verge of conflict.
