Why Do People Interrupt? - And What to Do About It

Hey there, fabulous folks! It's your cheerleader-in-chief, Carrie V, back with another round of Coffee and Tea with Carrie V, where we dive into all things communication, leadership, confidence, and clarity. So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let's have a chat!

Chasing Failure: A Mastermind Adventure

First things first, let's talk about chasing failure – yes, you heard that right! I'm thrilled to announce the Chasing Failure Book Mastermind, inspired by Ryan Leak's incredible book, "Chasing Failure." This mastermind journey is all about embracing failure as a stepping stone to the success we desire. Starting May 6, we'll embark on a six-week deep dive into the concepts explored in this transformative book. And guess what? The first 10 people to sign up will receive a complimentary copy of Ryan Leak's book, along with a PDF workbook to accompany our mastermind sessions. Plus, all our calls will be recorded, so even if you miss a session, you won't miss out on any of the valuable insights. So, if you're ready to embrace failure and unlock your true potential, hop on board! Check out the link in the show notes for all the details.

Interrupting: The Conversation Conundrum

Now, let's dive into a topic that's all too familiar – interrupting. We've all been there, right? You're in the middle of sharing a story or making a point, and suddenly, you find yourself cut off mid-sentence. It's frustrating, it's annoying, and it can really throw off the flow of a conversation. So, why does it happen, and what can we do about it?

There are a few different types of interruptions, but today, I want to focus on two: the power interrupt and the rapport interrupt. They may seem similar on the surface, but their intentions couldn't be more different.

In a power interrupt, the person cutting you off is essentially asserting their dominance in the conversation. They want to talk over you, shut you down, and steer the conversation in their direction. It's like they're saying, "What I have to say is more important than anything you could possibly contribute." You can usually spot a power interrupter by their body language – they might have a dismissive attitude, roll their eyes, or adopt a stance that screams, "I'm taking over."

On the other hand, a rapport interrupt is a bit more subtle. This is when someone jumps into the conversation not to shut you down, but to add to the discussion. Maybe they're excited about the topic and want to share their own experience, or perhaps they're just eager to keep the conversation flowing. While their intentions may be friendly, it can still feel like you've been sidelined.

So, how do you handle interruptions? Well, it depends on the situation. If you're dealing with a power interrupter – someone who's clearly trying to dominate the conversation – sometimes the best course of action is to gracefully bow out. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation and move on. After all, there's no point in engaging with someone who's not interested in listening.

But if it's a rapport interrupt – a friendly interruption from someone who's just eager to join the conversation – you can gently guide the discussion back on track. Acknowledge their contribution, but also assert your right to finish your thought. Say something like, "Hey, I'd love to hear about your experience, but I want to finish my story first. Can I circle back to you after?"

Ultimately, whether you're dealing with a power interrupt or a rapport interrupt, it's important to consider the source and react accordingly. Pay attention to the person's body language and facial expressions – they'll give you clues about their intentions. And remember, it's okay to advocate for yourself and assert your right to be heard.

So, my friends, the next time you find yourself interrupted, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and respond with grace and confidence. And hey, if you've got any stories or insights to share about interruptions, I'd love to hear them! Drop me a message on Instagram or shoot me an email – let's keep the conversation going.

Until next time, stay authentic, stay resilient, and keep chasing those dreams!

With love and cheer, Carrie V