|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 384: Control interruptions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The only way to prevent people from interrupting you is to insist on finishing. You can call attention to the interruption verbally: "Pauline, I didn't get to finish. What I was about to say was . . ." "Sorry, but you interrupted me. I had one more item to mention. . . ." "Please let me finish. . . ." Or you may choose to prevent an interruption with body language and voice. Raise your hand to the interrupter and continue to speak at the same or louder volume. Keep talking until the interrupter realizes you do not intend to relinquish the floor. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 385: Don't assume the role of translator. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Example: "I think what Phyllis is trying to say is that her staff is . . ." Trying to "translate" for others conveys very loudly to them that you don't think they voiced their ideas well. It also irritates the group to have an echo effect in the room. Finally, you'll be embarrassed if Phyllis responds that you did not translate correctly. Some people are inarticulate; learn to live with it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 386: Avoid letting others put words in your mouth. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you've expressed an idea that someone feels the need to "interpret" for the group, don't let them misquote or misinterpret you. Example: "No, Bill, that isn't exactly what I meant. I meant . . ." "Wait a minute. I said it exactly like I intended to. I'm saying that . . ." "No, that's not what I meant. Maybe I was unclear. I'll try again. . . .'' Only you know what you meant to say. Say it directly without an interpreter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 387: Don't set a pattern of expressing the "Downside." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes, you will disagree from time to time and make a valuable contribution by expressing that differing viewpoint. But don't make it a pattern. Offer solutions and encouragement when the others get down, dumb, and defeated. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 388: Know the difference between being realistic and being gloomy. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have you ever known people who think their view is the only "realistic" one? Their comments begin: "Let's get real here about . . ." "You've gotta |
|
|
|
|
|