You might say something like, “I need to cover a lot in this meeting, so I’m asking everyone to save their questions until the end. “[3] X Research source
If you’re expecting them to approach any minute, try putting on headphones. If you work in an office setting, try putting a sign on your door that says “Do not disturb,” “On a call,” or “In a meeting. ”
You might say, “Those are good points, Sondra, but let’s put a pin in that for now. You and I can talk about that after the meeting. ”[6] X Research source If you’re at lunch with a group and one friend is dominating the conversation, you could say, “Sarah, let’s talk about that after we finish eating since it only pertains to us. Plus, I know you want to hear about Erika’s vacation just as much as I do!”
“May I stop you right there? I have something I need to say. " “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I’d like to tell you something I’ve noticed lately. "
“I hate to interrupt you but I was literally just walking out the door. I’m in a bit of a rush. Can we catch up later?” “I have an appointment in 5 minutes—let’s be quick so I won’t be late. " “I only have a few minutes to spare; I was just on my way out. "
“Allie, you didn’t give me a chance to share my point of view at book club today. When I tried, you talked over me. " “You made great points at today’s meeting, Rich, but it took you awhile to get to them. I’m worried your coworkers tuned out and missed your helpful insights. " “Phil, I love hearing from you, but I haven’t been able to get a word in edgewise since we got on the phone! I was really hoping to talk to you about my recent vacation. You would have loved it in Borneo. "
“Oh hi, remember me? I’m still here. " “Slow your roll, bestie! Can I get a word in edgewise at some point?” Pointedly look at your watch and then say, “Time is still a thing, Jen. Remember time? Girl, let me talk! You’re going to be so shook when I tell you what Tim did this weekend. "
“I don’t believe you’re talking over everyone on purpose, Bob. I’m sure it’s an honest mistake. " “I realize you aren’t purposely monopolizing our conversations, Darren. " Try to avoid complaints and sweeping generalizations like: “People hate it when you talk too much” or “You never let anyone else speak. "
“I feel like you aren’t interested in what I have to say. " “Sometimes I worry that you don’t want to be my friend anymore because I never get a chance to share my thoughts when we talk. " “I’m concerned about group participation at meetings. It’s my responsibility to make sure all employees get to contribute but lately, most of them never get a chance. "
“Are you open to a different approach at our meetings? We could make it a rule that everyone gets a chance to talk for 1-2 minutes. " “Can I be a better listener or support you as a friend in some other way?” “If you’d like, I can help you practice being more concise for presentations. We can do it privately in my office. No one needs to know about it. “[14] X Research source
For example, if they say they’re anxious, say something like, “That’s totally understandable. We still need to work on this behavior, but I’m glad I have a better understanding of what’s going on. I’ll try to provide more structure at the next meeting to help you out. " If your friend says she didn’t even realize she was doing it and apologizes, say something like, “No worries, Jill! It’s not a huge deal at all. Let’s talk next week, though. Maybe over coffee?” Keep in mind that talkativeness may stem from an underlying condition or disorder (like ADHD). [16] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
