Interrupting:

Pros and Cons

 

Pros: In some cultures interrupting a person mid-sentence while speaking is often seen as a way to engage enthusiastically in the conversation.

Cons: In other cultures interrupting, or talking over a person mid-sentence while another person is speaking is often seen as disruptive, disrespectful, insensitive, and lacking interest in what another person has to say, which has the overall effect of devaluing them as a person.. 

 

See below for more details:

 

• People who interrupt others mid-sentence, often do so in debate, when they want to derail a person’s train of thought, and gain an advantage to dominate the other person’s point of view, thus trying to cancel or override what the other person is wanting to communicate.
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• When a person regularly interrupts others midsentence in a discussion, this is often considered rude, unthoughtful, socially immature, and can be seen as manipulative.

 

 

 

Regularly interrupting others midsentence in a discussion is widely considered rude and unthoughtful in many cultures (particularly in Western societies, where conversational etiquette values allowing each person to finish their thoughts before responding134). 

Such interrupting behavior is typically seen as disrespectful, as it signals that the interrupter believes their own contributions are more important than those of the speaker4. This can undermine respect, damage relationships, and make others feel dismissed or undervalued4.

From a social maturity perspective, frequent interruptions can indicate a lack of developed social skills, such as impulse control, patience, and the ability to read social cues5. Children and adults who interrupt often may struggle with these skills, which are essential for mature and respectful communication5. In some cases, chronic interrupting may also be a symptom of underlying issues such as anxiety, impulsivity, or conditions like ADHD, where waiting for one’s turn to speak can be particularly challenging35.

In terms of manipulation, regular and deliberate interruptions can indeed be a tactic to assert dominance, control the narrative, or undermine others in a conversation34. This power play is especially evident in professional or competitive settings, and research has shown that interruptions can serve as a subtle form of microaggression or even emotional abuse when used to consistently silence or overpower someone34.

 

 

However, it’s important to note:
Not all interruptions are intended to be rude or manipulative.

Cultural norms, personality traits (such as extroversion), and conversational context (such as excitement or urgency) can all influence how interruptions are perceived3. In some cultures, overlapping speech is a sign of engagement rather than disrespect3.

In summary, while there are exceptions and cultural nuances, regularly interrupting others midsentence is generally seen as rude, unthoughtful, and socially immature, and it can be manipulative when used to dominate or control a conversation134

1. https://www.advancedetiquette.com/communications/the-etiquette-of-interrupting-and-being-interrupted/
2. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-12-14-vw-3172-story.html
3. https://www.psychvarsity.com/psychology-behind-cutting-someone-off-while-talking-is-it-rude-or-something-deeper
4. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-interrupters-and-get-a-word-in-4801521
5. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-interrupt
6. https://psychmechanics.com/psychology-of-interrupting/
7. https://neurolaunch.com/talking-over-someone-psychology/
8. https://deponysum.com/2019/09/15/the-problems-with-no-interrupting-as-a-categorical-social-norm/
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/slatestarcodex/comments/d4e8x6/the_problems_with_no_interrupting_as_a/
10. https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/LuXb6CZG4x7pDRBP8/wait-vs-interrupt-culture

 

 

Here are 10 clear ways to explain why: 

• interrupting someone midsentence, or
• talking over them, or 
• breaking their train of thought;

is often considered (but not always): 

• • rude, 
  • disruptive, 
  • insensitive, 
  • unthoughtful, and 
  • disrespectful:

1. It prevents the speaker from fully expressing their ideas. Interrupting stops someone from communicating their message completely, concisely, and clearly, which can lead to misunderstandings or incomplete communication2.
2. It signals that your thoughts are more important than theirs. Cutting someone off sends the message that what you have to say takes precedence over their perspective, which can feel dismissive and disrespectful6.
3. It disrupts the flow of conversation. When you interrupt, it can derail the speaker’s train of thought, making it harder for them to continue or remember what they wanted to say4.
4. It undermines the speaker’s confidence and authority. Talking over someone can diminish their contribution and make them feel less valued or heard, especially in group settings3.
5. It can damage relationships and trust. Frequent interruptions can lead to resentment, frustration, and a breakdown in open communication, harming both personal and professional relationships4.
6. It shows a lack of empathy and consideration. Interrupting often demonstrates that you are not truly listening or caring about the other person’s needs or feelings3.
7. It can assert dominance or control. Chronic interruption can be a way to assert power or control over a conversation, which is particularly damaging in situations where equality and respect are important6.
8. It can escalate tensions and conflict. Interruptions, especially when aggressive or frequent, can make discussions more confrontational and less productive3.
9. It discourages others from sharing their ideas. If people feel they will be interrupted, they may become reluctant to speak up, leading to less diverse input and weaker outcomes for group discussions4.
10. It is widely recognized as socially rude behavior. From a young age, people are taught that interrupting is impolite, and doing so can make you appear inconsiderate and unprofessional7.

These points highlight why it’s important to let others finish their thoughts and to practice active, respectful listening in any conversation.

 

Related

• Why is interrupting often seen as a sign of disrespect and insensitivity

• How does interrupting undermine the speaker’s need to be heard and understood

• In what ways does talking over someone disrupt the flow of meaningful communication

• Why might frequent interruptions cause feelings of disregard or dismissiveness in others

• How can interrupting signal a lack of patience or empathy toward different perspectives

Related:

• Does frequent interrupting indicate social immaturity or manipulation in conversations

• How can I tell if my interruptions are seen as rude or just enthusiastic

• Are there cultural differences that make interrupting more acceptable in some groups

• What psychological traits are linked to someone who often cuts others off mid-sentence

• How can I improve my listening skills to avoid being perceived as unthoughtful

 

Proverb 29:20

 

1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+29%3A20&version=KJV
2. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-29-20/
3. https://biblehub.com/proverbs/29-20.htm
4. https://www.bible.com/bible/1/PRO.29.20.KJV
5. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+29%3A20&version=NKJV
6. https://www.videobible.com/meaning/proverbs-29-20
7. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+29%3A20-27&version=ESV%3BNIV
8. https://www.bibleref.com/Proverbs/29/Proverbs-29-20.html
9. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+29%3A20-22&version=NET