I’m interrupting a lot because of conversational miscues of the “Oops, didn’t know you weren’t finished! No, go ahead, sorry!” variety, especially on the phone.
You know how people with disorders like Asperger’s or ADD have to consciously learn and practice social skills that others take for granted? I feel that way about this particular skill—like I’m missing something subconscious or innate and will have to consciously work on overcoming it.
I’d be grateful if anyone has advice, whether you’ve struggled with this or not.
Nov 04, 2007, 08:55PM PST | 6 cheers | 2 comments
and I think my interruptions fall into 3 categories:
1) Just the flat-out rude interruption. I hope I don’t do this too much, and all I can do is catch it.
2) The interruption for something urgent. I need to do a better job of knowing when this is appropriate. “Hey, uh…that’s our exit” is probably universally OK. “Look, a KITTY!” is probably less so (unless it’s me being interrupted, in which case I totally want to see the kitty).
3) The “oops, didn’t know you weren’t finished! No, go ahead, sorry!” interruption. I think I do this one the most. I’ve had to learn to be somewhat aggressive in order to get a word in edgewise in a room full of technical guys…but what’s necessary in a specific situation at work is not necessary at parties or in a one-on-one conversation. Gotta work at pausing and listening better.
Aug 27, 2007, 03:04PM PDT | 5 cheers | 5 comments
...but I wouldn’t be surprised if the answer is “very.” Trying to notice and stop.
Jul 18, 2007, 12:47AM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments
