Gain control of the narrative if the other person is talking too much.
Whether you are in an interview or another situation in which this is your only opportunity for you to demonstrate your value and you can’t get a word in edgewise, step up and take control. Don’t let the other person speak the entire time. A conversation should be a two-way street. Both parties should be able to contribute. Here are three tips to ensure you have the opportunity to speak up and demonstrate your worth:
1. Listen to the other person.
As you realize that the other person keeps on talking, you may start to feel stressed. You may be thinking to yourself, “This is only a 30 minute meeting, and this person has been talking for X minutes straight. How can I communicate my value if this person hogs the conversation?”
Resist the urge to quickly interrupt. Use some time to listen to what the other person is saying. This person may be communicating the most important points that they want addressed. This person may be revealing your path to be successful.
2. Distill the person’s points, and share your recap.
Your job is to understand the points they are making. Distill their thoughts. Separate the points. Communicate back to the person what you are hearing from them. You might say, “Thank you for sharing. I am hearing from you three points…”
By distilling the other person’s points and sharing your take, you will impress them. Show the other person that you have been listening. (Research suggests that listening increases your likeability.) Show the other person that you understand what they are saying and can communicate in a coherent manner. Clear communication is hard, especially in stressful situations.
3. Show your value for each point.
Don’t just recap what the other person said. For each of their points, speak to how you can add value.
For example, if one of the person’s points is that they want someone who can analyze dense information. Say, “I’d like to speak to those points. First, you want someone who can think critically about complex topics. While working at X, I have….”
Demonstrate your value by adding to their points. You don’t have to be asked a question for the opportunity to share. Create your own opportunity to share information about yourself that matters most to the other person. Position yourself to demonstrate your value, and lead.
If you are in a situation where this is the only opportunity to demonstrate your value and the other person is hogging the conversation, regain control. Listen, distill and recap the other person’s points and then speak to how you can add value to each point.
What strategies do you use to ensure you communicate your value?
