Stop Talking over your Teammates
Some of you need to read this, some more than others.
Have you ever been in a meeting or call, and had someone talk over the top of you? Or maybe you are the talkover person? I'm sure you've witnessed it more than once.
If you are in a meeting, and have a bad habit of talking over someone else, even raising your voice to drown out the original speaker, you need to know this is incredibly rude. You are basically telling the original speaker that their opinion doesn't matter.
Instead of interrupting someone and overriding their dialogue, maybe try listening and let them finish their side of the conversation. You might find the answer to your objection/statement/question, if you simply let the other person finish their thought.
This has been a pet peeve of mine for a number of years. Here's some tips that might or might not be useful for you or your favorite conversation steamroller.
- Talking over others is disrespectful and can make the original speaker feel devalued.
- Interrupting can disrupt the flow of ideas and prevent important information from being shared.
- Listening fully before responding often leads to better understanding and more productive discussions.
- Allowing others to finish their thoughts shows respect and can lead to more comprehensive solutions.
This advice is valuable for improving workplace communication, fostering a more inclusive environment, and ensuring that all voices are heard. It's a reminder that effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking.
For those who struggle with this habit, some strategies to improve might include:
- Practicing active listening
- Taking notes to remember points you want to address later
- Using non-verbal cues to indicate you have something to add, rather than interrupting
- If you do accidentally interrupt, apologizing and allowing the original speaker to continue
This post should server as a valuable reminder for everyone in the professional world, regardless of position or experience level.
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