Skip to content

One of the issues I kept saying to my students is you have…

“One of the issues I kept saying to my students is you have to learn to interrupt. When you raise your hand at a meeting, by the time they get to you, the point is not germane. So the bottom line is active listening. If you are going to interrupt, you look for opportunities. You have to know what…” quote by Madeleine Albright
Download Open image
“One of the issues I kept saying to my students is you have to learn to interrupt. When you raise your hand at a meeting, by the time they get to you, the point is not germane. So the bottom line is active listening. If you are going to interrupt, you look for opportunities. You have to know what you're talking about.”

Madeleine Albright

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective communication requires timely, purposeful interruptions and deep knowledge of the topic to keep contributions relevant.

In simple terms: Interrupt wisely and know your subject.

Key Takeaway

Speak when prepared and relevant.

Themes

communication leadership active listening

Mood

professional focused

Type

advice instructional

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • classroom discussions
  • conference calls

Key Concepts

interruptions expertise meeting dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you signal readiness to speak?
  • When is it better to stay silent?
A Different Perspective

Interruptions can be perceived as rude if not well‑timed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Madeleine Albright

Explore all 248 Madeleine Albright quotes

More Active quotes

Browse all 2,212 Active quotes