Let Me Finish!
2025/02/16 12:00 AM Filed in: Communication | Emotional Intelligence
The Power of Listening: Recognizing the "Let Me Finish" Signal
Effective communication requires more than just expressing your own thoughts—it demands truly listening to others. One crucial sign that someone doesn’t feel heard is when they say, "Let me finish." Recognizing this moment as an opportunity rather than an interruption can drastically improve your relationships and promote understanding.
Why "Let Me Finish" Is a Red Flag (Stop)
When someone feels compelled to say "Let me finish," it's often a sign that:
Key Principle: If you or the other person says "Let me finish," it’s a clear signal to pause, step back, and ensure they feel heard before continuing.
Embracing Patience and Grace
In conversations, some individuals may require more time and attention to feel understood. Extending grace by patiently listening can be pivotal in allowing for mutual understanding and goodwill. If you find yourself starting to speak too soon, pause and allow the other person to finish. This act of patience demonstrates respect and builds trust.
Example: A Difficult Financial Dispute
I recently faced a situation where someone unexpectedly claimed I owed them a large sum of money. My instinct was to defend myself aggressively, but past experiences reminded me that confrontation rarely leads to a peaceful resolution. Instead, I chose to:
The Role of Integrity in Communication
If your goal is to "win" rather than maintain integrity and mutual understanding, these principles are not for you. However, true peace comes from acting with honesty and fairness. As Proverbs 16:7 teaches:
"When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
When dealing with conflict, we have two fundamental choices:
Steps to Improve Listening and Understanding
When you hear or say "Let me finish," follow these steps:
Key Takeaways
Effective communication requires more than just expressing your own thoughts—it demands truly listening to others. One crucial sign that someone doesn’t feel heard is when they say, "Let me finish." Recognizing this moment as an opportunity rather than an interruption can drastically improve your relationships and promote understanding.
Why "Let Me Finish" Is a Red Flag (Stop)
When someone feels compelled to say "Let me finish," it's often a sign that:
- They don't feel their thoughts are being valued.
- They believe you're more focused on responding than listening.
- They may be feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
Key Principle: If you or the other person says "Let me finish," it’s a clear signal to pause, step back, and ensure they feel heard before continuing.
Embracing Patience and Grace
In conversations, some individuals may require more time and attention to feel understood. Extending grace by patiently listening can be pivotal in allowing for mutual understanding and goodwill. If you find yourself starting to speak too soon, pause and allow the other person to finish. This act of patience demonstrates respect and builds trust.
Example: A Difficult Financial Dispute
I recently faced a situation where someone unexpectedly claimed I owed them a large sum of money. My instinct was to defend myself aggressively, but past experiences reminded me that confrontation rarely leads to a peaceful resolution. Instead, I chose to:
- Pause and resist reacting emotionally.
- Notice without judgment how I was feeling and responding.
- Listen intently to their concerns without interrupting.
- Acknowledge their feelings before calmly presenting my perspective.
The Role of Integrity in Communication
If your goal is to "win" rather than maintain integrity and mutual understanding, these principles are not for you. However, true peace comes from acting with honesty and fairness. As Proverbs 16:7 teaches:
"When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
When dealing with conflict, we have two fundamental choices:
| Reactive Approach | Thoughtful Approach |
| Interrupting | Patient listening |
| Emotional responses | Fact-based discussion |
| Winning at all costs | Seeking mutual understanding |
| Quick resolution | Taking necessary time |
Steps to Improve Listening and Understanding
When you hear or say "Let me finish," follow these steps:
- Pause and Reflect: Stop talking and focus solely on what the other person is saying.
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Show empathy by validating their emotions (e.g., "I understand this is important to you").
- Ask Clarifying Questions: If something isn’t clear, ask questions to gain deeper understanding.
- Respond Thoughtfully: Once they feel fully heard, present your thoughts with calmness and respect.
- Strivev for Peace: "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9; 3 Nephi 11:29)
Key Takeaways
- "Let me finish" is a sign that the other person doesn’t feel heard, weather said by you or the other person.—use this as an opportunity to listen better. Be "swift to hear, slow to speak" (James 1:19).
- Pause, listen, and acknowledge truth in what the other person said and how they might be feelings before sharing your own perspective. Practice TREATS.
- Embracing patience and humility in conversations strengthens relationships and builds trust.
- Ultimately, living with integrity leads to deeper peace and understanding.
blog comments powered by Disqus