It is annoying when someone interrupts. People who constantly interrupt others in conversation can be really annoying. It's especially annoying when you can't get a word in edgewise because of it. What can you do to prevent or reduce these interruptions? It is important that you make it clear that interrupting is annoying, otherwise people will keep interrupting you.
People who communicate well do not need to speak in between
Good speakers don't interrupt others, they listen and wait to hear what other people have to say before they respond. You can assume that if someone doesn't let you finish and always interrupts, that person is not really interested in the topic but just wants to dominate. Statistically, it is mostly men who interrupt, especially women. This is not only a sign of lack of respect, but also shows a certain insecurity that is supposed to be covered up by loud and disrespectful behaviour.
Show clearly that talking in between is not acceptable
If it annoys you that someone won't let you finish and always interrupts, you have to make it clear, otherwise it won't stop. Make it clear that you will not tolerate such behaviour. The best way to defend yourself is to become more confident and aggressive against this behaviour step by step.
How do you deal with it when someone interferes?
Talking in between once
Everyone interrupts other people occasionally by mistake. So you don't have to get angry just because of one time.
Talking in between for the second time
Wait until the speaker pauses, then politely but firmly point out that he has interrupted you and then finish your sentence.
Third time speaking in between
Hold up your hand and say that you have been interrupted again and that you do not accept it. Then finish your sentence.
From the fourth time talking in-between
Stand up or take a step back. Tell your counterpart that you will not continue this conversation until he behaves more respectfully. Then turn away.
From that moment on, it should be clear to everyone that they are not getting anywhere with you this way and they should change their behaviour. There are people who are so used to always interfering that they will not change. If this annoys you too much, then turn away in time in the future. You don't have to back down just because someone else is disrespectful. You don't have to take it just to avoid a confrontation.
What happens if you don't fight back?
If you don't resist when others always interrupt you and don't listen, you won't be taken seriously. People who constantly interrupt and get ahead assume that you have nothing important to say and that their own opinion is more valuable than yours. Even if you are reluctant to defend yourself aggressively, remember that it is not worth losing face just to keep the peace. When you defend yourself, you earn respect, even though the other person may react angrily at first. Speak your mind and defend yourself, otherwise you will go down.
Interrupting while talking on the phone
It is almost more disturbing when someone is talking in between and constantly "on the phone". You are talking to someone on the phone and someone is always talking in the background and interfering with the conversation. Once or twice is fine, but it stops the flow of conversation if you have to hold the person on the other end of the line all the time. The only thing that helps here is to tell the person on the other end of the line clearly that this is disturbing. Say it calmly in front of your conversation partner's ears that it is unacceptable and that you cannot concentrate on the conversation. If this does not help, leave the room or turn your back so that you can speak in peace.
