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ToggleHas this ever happened to you? You are sharing an idea, and in the middle of a thought, suddenly, someone interrupts you. You feel puzzled, frustrated, angry, offended or intimidated? Interruptions can be challenging, especially in intercultural contexts, where conversational norms vary.
Why are interruptions more complex in intercultural communication?
In intercultural settings, interruptions in speech might not be intentional. They could follow a cultural norm or a different way of managing conversations. Even if interruptions or overlapping turns are acceptable in some cultures, they disrupt the flow and can cause misunderstandings. If left unchecked, we might speak less, i.e. withdraw from the conversation, feel increasingly frustrated or even develop defensive or aggressive communication patterns – neither of which is helpful.
How to respond to interruptions with confidence
Here are some tips on how to navigate interruptions with clarity and poise:
1) Use body language to signal intent
Non-verbal communication is your ally.
- Maintain (or establish) steady eye contact. Avoid looking down or away, which can be interpreted as a sign of submission or hesitation. Depending on the culture, you might add a slight smile, or avoid it.
- Use hand gestures wisely. Avoid overly assertive gestures like pointing or directing your open hand towards the other person as these gestures can fuel tension and aggression in some cultures. Instead, try:
- A praying gesture with your hands (join your hands in front of you).
- Both hands pointing toward the person for emphasis (avoid pointing fingers!).
Pair these gestures with clear phrases like "Let me finish my thought" or "I'm almost done". This combination of visual and verbal cues communicates confidence without being confrontational.
2) Master Strategic Pauses
The way we pause in speech matters. Especially in intercultural settings. But for pauses to be understood as such and not as invitations to chime in, we need to use them wisely. In cultures like the U.S., rising intonation at the end of a statement can inadvertedly invite interruptions as it sounds like a question. Instead, pause mid-sentence or use neutral falling intonation at the end of a phrase. For example, instead of "I think we should change the timeline?" (with rising intonation), try "I think we should ... change the timeline" (neutral or falling intonation). This subtle shift helps maintain control of the conversation flow.
For pauses to not be interpreted as opportunities to chime in, keep them short – the acceptable length, again, differs across cultures and languages! So, find out what pause length is acceptable for others to make you finish your sentence and speech. – Have a look at my short video and post about this.
3) Clarify Intentions and Expectations
Misunderstandings usually arise because conversational norms differ. In all settings, whether at work or with friends and family, set clear conversational expectations and intentions upfront: "I'll share my idea fully and then we discuss" or "Let's take turns so everyone can contribute meaningfully". When everyone knows the rules, interruptions are less likely, and conversations flow more smoothly. – Be prepared to negotiate these rules and find a compromise that ideally accommodates the needs of everyone involved.
Final thoughts
Navigating interruptions in intercultural settings requires a balance of assertiveness and an understanding of cultural nuances. In order to have effective communications in intercultural settings, we want to signalize intent, manage pauses strategically, and set clear expectations, whilst creating space for everyone's voice to be heard.
Effective communication is never just about speaking, it is about shaping how others listen.
For more tips on multilingual and intercultural communication, explore my services for teams and families, and videos.
Stay confident, stay intentional, and keep fostering meaningful connections!
How do you experience conversations in intercultural settings? Let me know in the comments.
