Ending a call politely with a person who doesn't allow you to speak can be challenging, but it's essential to do so respectfully. Here are some strategies to handle the situation gracefully:
Be patient: Start the call with patience and give the person a chance to speak. Sometimes, they may be excited or nervous and unintentionally dominate the conversation initially.
Find a pause: Wait for a brief pause in their talking and use that moment to interject politely. You can say something like, "I appreciate your input, and I'd love to share my thoughts on this as well."
Assert yourself gently: If the person continues to dominate the conversation, find a gentle but firm way to assert yourself. You can say, "I understand your perspective, and I'd like to add something to the discussion."
Use nonverbal cues: If it's challenging to interrupt verbally, try using nonverbal cues to indicate you want to speak. For example, you can raise your hand slightly or nod to get their attention.
Acknowledge their input: Show that you value their contribution to the conversation by acknowledging their thoughts before adding your own. You can say, "That's an interesting point, and I'd also like to mention..."
Redirect the conversation: If the person continues to dominate, try gently redirecting the conversation back to your intended topic. You can say, "Thank you for sharing your thoughts on that. Now, I'd like to discuss..."
Be direct if necessary: If the person persists in not allowing you to speak, you may need to be more direct while still being polite. You can say, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I'd like to contribute to the conversation as well. Please let me share my perspective."
Set boundaries: If this becomes a recurring issue, it's essential to set boundaries politely but firmly. Let the person know that you value their input but also need a chance to express yourself during the conversation.
Plan for future interactions: If the person's behavior remains an ongoing problem, consider ways to handle future interactions, such as choosing a different communication method or discussing the issue with them outside of the call.
Remember, staying calm and respectful is crucial in handling such situations. It's okay to assert yourself and ensure that your voice is heard, but always try to maintain a positive and constructive tone during the conversation.