LEARN COMMUNICATION
- 1. Set targets and give yourself rewards: Set a realistc goal and choose a small reward as a suitable
incentve. For example, you could promise yourself that if you make it through the day interruptng
people fewer than ten tmes, you will pick up your favorite magazine or candy bar on the way home.
- Stck up signs: The simplest solutons can be the best! I keep a small stcky note on my computer
monitor to remind me not to interrupt others. It features a sketch of a closed mouth just beneath an
ear. I glance at it when I’m on the phone or webcam. It reminds me that if I strive to grow my
relatonships – and my business – I need to let other people speak.- 3. Write down any points you want to make in advance : While you can’t take notes during an
unplanned conversaton, you can take a list with you to a scheduled meetng. When you know that
your key points are strategically bulleted on a piece of paper, it’s easier to refrain from interruptng.
In formal meetngs, you can also make notes of your thoughts when someone else is speaking. Once
they have fnished, you can then refer to your notes and ask for clarifcaton.- 4. Remember that your silence is just as infuental as your voice: No one likes a showof or a
person who appears to love the sound of their own voice. On the other hand, everyone respects
someone who lets other people speak and exercises cauton when ofering their own opinion. If the
thought of keeping quiet terrifes you, consider that your interrupton habit might spring from a
sense of insecurity.- 5. Practce bitng your tongue: The phrase “bite your tongue” can be taken literally here. When you
feel the urge to interrupt, sandwich your tongue between your teeth. The sensaton will act as a
constant reminder not to but in.