Comment by throwaway_au_1
3 years ago
To put your comment into the 'bigger picture', as I see it at least: if I can assume that by efficiency, you mean the rate of verbal exchange of information, then I would argue that this is often not the sole function of a conversation; for example, building rapport is often an indirect but desirable outcome. There are no doubt other outcomes and that they vary wildly by context. Though to stick with rapport: pursuing near-optimal information exchange through interruptions may (and for anti-interrupt people, probably will) come at the hefty cost of rapport which may effect future conversations.
This is a super interesting topic and also cool because everyone has a slightly different take. I had not really considered that people who interrupt may do so because they actually like it and think it's beneficial. I just (probably prematurely) assumed it was a bit of a personal flaw based on how it made me feel.
Indeed it’s pretty interesting how differently people relate to it. My main personal reason for liking it is actually enjoyment, and part of that relates to efficiency but even more importantly it’s because people interrupt in this way naturally when they are truly interested in what you’re talking about and have thoughts about it too, and those conversations are just gonna be more fun.
I agree with you. Furthermore, I think, the interrupt stance doesn't prevent you from attentively listen to what others say. You can absolutely listen a person talking for a long time. The opposite not being true.
However in an educational context like described in the article, if think that waiting for the other to finish is better as it allow a better analysis and criticism of the whole argument development.
Oh I (for instance) 100% do it cause I like it. I get bored talking to people who want to take turns.
Understandable. I don't want to give the impression that my ideal conversation involves a Talking Pillow. We're probably all imagining the far, opposite end of the spectrum when we think about it. I'm picturing my old boss who couldn't go 10 seconds without stammering his way into my sentence, which drove me nuts, but like I said in another comment, interruptions probably happen in every conversation and it's only the routine, out-of-place ones that are frustrating.