Strategies.

[hannah]

Of late, I've tried to derive some entertainment value of sitting and waiting for people to stop talking so I don't interrupt them because that's about the only way to get through it with any composure. There's people I've met who can go for long minutes without giving me any indications they want me to talk. I'm tempted to see if raising my hand does anything, or getting up and moving.

I know I could theoretically interrupt them, but every person who has this trait would have to be yelled at for them to hear me talking. Though now I'm also tempted to try to just start talking in a normal volume, ignoring everything they're saying, just to see that reaction.

Comments

[gremdark]

I’ve done the hand raise to good effect with a certain subset of that type. Depends on whether there’s any sense of humor in evidence—as there often isn’t.

[raven]

I am plagued by these sorts of people! The rather nasty thing I always end up doing is getting my phone out of my pocket and texting someone, on the basis that I am not required for this conversation so I may as well withdraw to another.

[actiaslunaris]

It truly does suck when trying to have a conversation with others who don't allow conversation. Back and forth exists! Good on you for trying to get some fun out of it.

If you don't mind my saying, a tip I've learned that works well is to say their name at the beginning of your sentence whenever you perceive a slight gap in their conversation where you want to give response. Another very subtle thing I do when I am given a chance to speak is say at the end of my response, "I'm done. Go ahead." Or, anything else to that effect. I hope that helps; it's given in that spirit, from someone who has always been called quiet because others don't know when to stop listening to their own voice.