Q:  Last week you talked about all the studies that show that women are interrupted more often than men, and that this originates from an unconscious bias both genders have about women.  Is there something women can do to lessen interruptions? or can you suggest  how women can respond if they are interrupted?

A:  There are tons of studies on this topic.  And whether we conclude that the reason is based on gender differences (men speak to establish dominance whereas women speak to establish connection) or a shared unconscious bias, the bottom line is, it happens.   So, whether it’s a lizard-brain thing, or a social thing,  it’s still a thing.

Even well meaning Google exec, Eric Schmidt, was called out for interrupting the only woman on a panel on diversity. “Don’t Manterrupt When A Woman Is Talking About Corporate Diversity” providing a great opportunity to bring an unconscious bias to the spotlight.

So what to do?

Ladies, if you are interrupted, don’t pause.  Just simply raise your index finger while saying “hold off I’m almost done” and continue speaking.    Don’t get rattled. Don’t be rude.  Stay cool and keep your train of thought going.  When you’re done, nod to the interrupter and politely “give” them the floor.

What If the interrupter persists, and doesn’t let you finish?

I’d say, repeat the gesture again, but then let it go.  The object here is not to “prevent” an interruption, or to “win” at not being interrupted.  It is to make sure those present (including the interrupter) can see with certainty that this was obviously an interruption.  Awareness is a first step.

Leslie Shore, in her Forbes article, Gal Interrupted, Why Men Interrupt Women And How To Avert This In The Workplace,  advises:

Women, don’t be an easy mark.  Look people in the eye as you speak, maintain a confident body language, lean in, use shorter sentences.   Speak with conviction using words like ‘know’ instead of ‘believe’ and ‘will’ instead of ‘might.’ All these will make  it harder to interrupt you.

Men, think twice. Are you interrupting to get clarification? If so, ask a clear question and allow the speaker to regain the floor. Are you interrupting because you think you’ll forget what you want to say? Jot key words for use later, instead of interrupting.

Lastly, let’s all remember that a lot of interruptions are unconscious, and not meant to be personal.   That doesn’t mean we should all ignore this happens but it does mean we can cut each other some slack.

Just of fun, check out this politically-incorrect, not necessarily-well-advised, silly but Funny video

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com