The Magic Word to Get YOUR Words in Edgewise

Sheroes, let your voices be heard! When you're in a civilized meeting with well-mannered people who have high self-awareness and congenial conversing habits, all voices can be heard with ease. We love those situations!

But what about the meetings that have that incessant talker? You know the one...the one who likes to hear himself think out loud. As his loquacious prose continues, you're sitting there thinking to yourself, "I have something important to say! How can I do this? How can I get a word in edgewise?"

I have a hack that you are going to love.

It is one word, just one word, you can interject to steer attention toward yourself and your valuable contribution.

That one word? The one magical way to interrupt and get the talker's attention? Say his or her NAME. Say their FIRST NAME and see how effective it is! Research shows that even while in a deep sleep, hearing your name will rouse you from slumber. In a meeting, it gets attention too. 

Let's use Bob as an example. Let's say Bob is the chatterbox who is going on and on. You have a brilliant idea currently trapped inside, that, of course, you'd like to unleash. Call your shot, choose your moment and say Bob's name. "Bob." Bob. Period. Use an assertive, clear voice and end his name with a period, not sounding as if there were a question mark. Make his name a statement, not a question. 

You're not done yet! Take your interruption to the finish line by incorporating body language. Lean in, put up your hands up as if you're signaling a stopping motion, and make eye contact. 

Your brilliant ideas deserve to be voiced! Take on this hack to challenge yourself the next time you encounter this situation. Sometimes what holds people back is the fear of hurting the talker's feelings. Do not worry about that. The talker will be just fine and you will likely score points with everyone else in the room who will be so grateful for your professional, courageous action! 

Let me know how it goes! I would love to hear your success story or continue working with you until the struggle becomes a success. You've got this, Shero. Speak up and let your voice be heard!