Conversation Etiquette

Dear Ms. Wolcott,
I have to mention something that absolutely drives me crazy. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and someone else comes up and rudely interrupts? Just totally cuts in without saying “excuse me.” It drives me bananas! What do they think, they’re super important? I think it’s totally the opposite. Then if that wasn’t enough, the first person talks louder to get my attention back. So you’re standing there with a dumb look not knowing which person to talk to or even look at! That ever happen to you? This is especially true with children. Can you address this?
– Bewildered in Brownsville

Dear Bewildered,
It happens more often than you think. At my children’s classes, I am trying to teach the young students the following technique: If your parents (or elders) are busy conversing with others and you need to interrupt for one reason or another, put your hand on their arm or shoulder. The parent (or elder) will acknowledge you by touching your hand. When there’s an opportunity, (or a break in the conversation) the parent will turn the attention to you. This way, you are not interrupting but are informing them that you would like to speak. Of course, if it is an emergency, forget about etiquette. If anyone’s safety is in jeopardy, yell, scream or shout, whatever it takes.

Irma Wolcott is the owner of Fun With Etiquette. Call her at 956-492-4762 for more information. Website: www.funwithetiquette.com e-Mail her at: [email protected]

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