Interrupting Skills

Erika Baum
Mar 23, 2022
1 min read

We explored interrupting skills in my NVC Trainer Development course and I've been thinking about it a lot. I created this self-reflection worksheet based on the one we used in the course.

So how could I handle a situation when someone is talking too much or not letting me have an opportunity for input?

Connect internally to hold everyone's needs with care.

my own for staying in the conversation. (ex. acceptance, belonging, ease)
the ones I am holding for the speaker by staying in the conversation. (ex. care, consideration, compassion)
my own I might meet by interrupting. (ex. authenticity, ease, respect, connection, clarity, self-expression, mutuality, inclusion, efficiency)
the ones I hold for the other I might meet by interrupting. (ex, respect, care, support, presence)

Phrasing if I decide to interrupt:

Self-Expression Need: "Hang on, I'd like to share something before it slips away."
Efficiency Need: "Name, I'm struggling to stay with you on this, would you be willing to give me a couple of key points you would like me to understand?"
Clarity, Ease, Space Need: "Name, could you hold on a sec? I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and would like to reflect back on what I think I have heard."
Participation, Contribution, Self-Expression Need: "Oh, could you hold on just a moment? I am feeling excited and would like to share some of my thoughts with you."