Too Many Words: Interrupting Someone

to Increase Connection
With Mary Mackenzie

Things to consider when interrupting a loved one:

• What is my intention for interrupting?
• Do I think the person is doing something wrong, i.e., talking too long or
too much, or in their head too much?
• Am I living NVC myself in this moment? If I am judging I have
lost connection to needs – theirs or mine.
• What will support greater connection in this moment?
• How important is what I want the other person to know? Is it a deal breaker,
or something I can let go of because I believe doing so will better support
our relationship in this moment?

Things to consider when facilitating groups:

• What is my intention for interrupting?
• The purpose of NVC is to help people connect more deeply
with themselves and others.
• Do I think the person is doing something wrong, i.e., talking too long or
too much, or in their head too much?
• Am I living NVC myself in this moment? If I am judging I have
lost connection to needs – theirs or mine.
• What will most support the individual and the group?
• Being right or accurate is not my goal in sharing NVC. What is my
goal again?
• It is exciting to know all that I know about NVC and how it can transform
lives… and I have a 20-year learning curve. The starting point for others
is exactly where they need to be. Perfection is not the goal; connection is.
• NVC is one strategy to support connection; it is not a need.
• Learning is exciting – How can I make NVC accessible to everyone
(the individual and group members) and stimulate the joy in learning?

If I decide to interrupt a loved one or a participant,

consider: • How can I do so without holding energy of
wrongness?
• When interrupting, focus on needs.
• Your interruption is an act of love!
• Be creative!

Mary Mackenzie, M.A., California, USA 928.380.8077 • mary@nvcacademy.com marymackenzie.net