I have a friend who reminds me on a regular basis of things I have said in casual conversation – sometimes years later. Some of them are funny, others pointed, others surprisingly wise… to the point where I question if I actually said them.

Capturing a concept or actual quote, then offering it back to the speaker, is a charming and affirming gift.

It has been said that “Rapt attention is the highest form of flattery.” Brian Tracey is even more pointed: “The opposite of listening is ignoring. You always listen to that which you most value. You always ignore that which you devalue.”

I think that most peoples inclination to interrupt is to subconsciously remind themselves they are important. I think it’s fair to say this behavior has increased over time. The amount of commercialization of our culture has also increased. Ads with some superstar promoting some product showing how important they are, are everywhere. Now-a-days just look at Paris Hilton, or reality TV and see how inundated we are with attention hogging celebrities in our face time and time again. When a person lives in a world cluttered full of everyone one getting their 15 minutes, at some point they are gonna strive for their own relevance.

Interrupting makes you relevant.

For that brief moment you grab the audience. You have drawn attention from somewhere else unto yourself WITHOUT PERMISSION. It’s a mini ego trip. Even if what you add to the conversation doesn’t make sense, you are relevant. More over, your interruption may alter the conversations direction. Now that’s real power.

When you do add to the topic, it’s usually to show you know something others don’t, as said earlier. How many times have you heard someone say

“I’m sorry to cut you off but…”

They aren’t sorry. If they were they wouldn’t have done it or waited till your story was over. What they mean to say is “Oh wow, a chance to exert my power.” And it usually works. The laws of the social arena. All eyes on that person. It’s like members of a group discussion become both gladiator and spectator.

“Wow, look at him take the lead. Oh, my time to strike.”

Great article and a fantastic commitment to make!

A very rare resolution but must say a courageous one.

Someone made this great statement in his blog earlier. Let’s listen, really listen and don’t just wait to speak.

And like you said, no one seems to want to listen anymore.

I think I’ll join you in your resolution to listen.

REgards