You ask someone a question and now they’re talking about something so different from what you asked. So how do you get them back on track? Interrupting. And I’m going to show you how!
Today we’re talking about politely interrupting someone and get them back on track.
Sometimes we ask someone a question and they start talking about something else entirely to the point where you can’t get them to stop. Has that happened to you before?
So you might ask: Jane, do you workout?
And Jane says: I grew up playing volleyball, then ran track and field in college. Oh in college we had the best food ever. It was so amazing I think they catered it from a farm to table restaurant in town…
Clearly, Jane is getting way off track. You asked her if she works out and now she’s talking about food. And in your head, you’re thinking… I don’t want to know all this. I just asked about your workout. C’mon Jane, get it together.
I’m going to show you how you can take control of the conversation and get it back on track by politely interrupting.
Validate their most recent point, so back to…[subj of original question].
Let’s look at this polite interruption in action. For example, to Jane we can say.
I love farm to table restaurants. So back to your workouts. Are you working out these days?
By validating their point you’re saying “I’m acknowledging what you told me” and “so back to” original question you’re kindly reminding them what you really asked.
Try that the next time someone’s talking your ear of and has gone way off track. Bring them back to the conversation and give them direction by:
Validate their most recent point, asking your original question again by using “so back to…”[original question].
Try this out, make it part of your Explearning Communications toolkit and let me know how it goes in the comments below.
I’ll see you in the next lesson. 😊
Happy Explearning 🐝
About the Author and the Explearning Academy:
Mary Daphne is an expert in communication, executive interpersonal skills, and personal development. She is the founder of the Explearning Academy, a platform dedicated to helping individuals enhance their social fluency, boost their careers, and elevate their social game. Through immersive group coaching programs like the Executive Communication Lab and self-guided journeys, participants gain the social superpowers and career catapults they've been searching for. If you're ready to take your negotiation skills to the next level and connect with like-minded individuals, visit academy.explearning.co and explore the various plans available. Join the Explearning Academy community and unlock your full potential.
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