Page 40 - The ART of Facilitation

It's a different world
Interrupting Isn't Necessarily Rude:
And More Rules That are Different
Things that may seem rude when communicating in-person are more acceptable—even necessary—in remote/virtual communication. And on the flip side, things that seem polite in person can be annoying or distracting in remote/virtual communication.
Spidey Sense: Spidey sense is the human awareness of those around us, that sense of knowing something is going on – not that we're always right about it. Virtual facilitation and communication is difficult because our spidey sense is off. We can't feel the room, or the energy of the people in the room. Our focus is divided. Acknowledge that your spidey sense is not as heightened and make space for owning the awkward. Be ready to invite collision over courtesy.
Interrupt: In the virtual world we don't have the visual cues we do in- person so sometimes we must interrupt others.
Do it with kindness.
Try repeating the person's name until they hear you. Don't start talking until the other person has stopped. They can't hear you if they're talking.
Most folks are thankful if you interrupt. Over-talkers often want to be stopped. Everyone on the call will thank you.
36
ARTiculate: Real&Clear 2020© All Rights Reserved