Interrupting and the art of conversation
"As offices and schools reopen, and we venture into more in-person social gatherings, we’re having to relearn how to have conversations," says Deborah Tannen.
Listen 49:00
Two-way dialogue/BigStock
On the political debate stage, interrupting is against the rules, and, in casual conversation, constant interjections are just plain rude. But it might not be that simple. According to Georgetown University linguistics professor and author DEBORAH TANNEN, cross-cultural and regional differences shape everyone’s unique conversation styles, and misunderstandings about manners and active listening in even the most insignificant chat can be harmful to relationships. How can we be more flexible when we talk to each other, and what do interruptions even look like? Tannen joins us to discuss what anthropologists call ‘cooperative overlapping’, and how talking at the same time can be a compliment to the conversation. Her bestselling book is You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
Pennsylvanians reveal their friendship secrets
Air Date: October 22, 2024 12:00 pm
Listen 46:02
Why are we spending so much time at home?
Many Americans call themselves homebodies. We all need downtime – but the rise in spending so much time at home, expanded by the pandemic, has some concerning implications.
Air Date: October 9, 2024 12:00 pm
Listen 51:59
Orna Guralnik on ‘Couples Therapy’
The reality show 'Couples Therapy' puts real-life couples sessions with Dr. Orna Guralnik on camera. Guralnik joins us to talk about relationships and therapy.
Air Date: September 15, 2023 12:00 pm
Listen 50:46