Prev | Next | Contents

3.04 BEING INTERRUPTED, HOW TO RESPOND -- SELF-HELP TACTICS FOR COPING WITH VERBAL ABUSE

== #4. How to cope with being constantly interrupted.

Point out that the abuser cut you off; this usually means that he/she is not really listening; ask him/her to tell you what you just said before they cut you off (active listening).

Note: getting an abuser to tell you what you just said (called active listening) is a good tactic because it: slows the other person down, requires that they hear what you say and puts the discussion back on a rational plane.

Many people interrupt because they have already made up their minds and don't care what you have to say. This is a listening problem that can be fixed by insisting on active listening.

Prev | Next | Contents