Coping With Interrupted Conversation
Has the following scenario ever happened to you? You are attempting to carry on what you consider is an important conversation with a colleague, friend or family member and the other person does the following:
* Begins texting on a cell phone, looking at a computer monitor or glancing at a watch.
* Makes little or no eye contact with you as you talk. Looks out the window during the conversation.
* Fiddles with eye glasses, examines fingernails or seems preoccupied with things on a desk.
* Accepts a call or begins speaking to another person who interrupts the conversation.
Granted, we live in a fast-paced, information-overloaded society where multitasking often makes uninterrupted one-on-one communication difficult.
But how does being interrupted on a regular basis feel to you?
“I am insignificant to the listener. I guess I’m in the way.”
“My message is unimportant and unwanted.”
“This makes me disappointed and angry.”
“I believe I’ll find someone else to talk to in the future.”
“This guy really thinks he’s special.”
What are some of the ways that you can deal more effectively with interrupted communication patterns?
* Choose the proper time to talk. The first thing in the morning or at the end of the work day may not be the best.
* In situations in the workplace, make your presentation concise and to the point. Some people like fewer details.
* Stay focused on the person you are speaking to, make eye contact and speak distinctly and slowly enough to be understood.
* Periodically try stopping, ask a question and wait for a response to see whether you are being heard and understood.
If the listener continues to be distracted and not attentive to what you are saying, ask if it would be better for you to come back another time or schedule an appointment.
Consider using e-mail or voice mail in lieu of meeting with him. This may not seem effective or appealing to you, but it is becoming more and more the norm.
Depersonalize this inattentive behavior and recognize that you are most likely not the only one receiving this form of communication.
Communication patterns in the world we live in have often changed. Learn to cope or you may find yourself frequently offended.
