#133: The Art of Interrupting—How to Jump In Without Shutting Others Down Artwork

Coaching the Whole Educator

Coaching the Whole Educator is a podcast for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and school leaders who want to strengthen their educators’ effectiveness and resilience, especially the ones who need it most. Each week, you’ll hear quick tips, proven strategies, and coaching mindsets designed to keep you on top of your coaching game.

This show is rooted in a human-centered approach, where we get things done through people’s humanity, not around it. Whether you’re new to instructional coaching or a seasoned instructional coach or leader looking for fresh perspective, you’ll learn how to focus on the mindsets and motivations driving unproductive behaviors. By getting to the root of resistance, you’ll discover how to build stronger relationships, lead with clarity, and create lasting impact in your school.

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Coaching the Whole Educator

#133: The Art of Interrupting—How to Jump In Without Shutting Others Down

April 20, 2025 • Becca Silver • Season 3 • Episode 133

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We’ve been taught that good listeners don’t interrupt—but what if the right kind of interrupting is exactly what great leaders do?

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That should’ve gone better”?
You said the words. They said the words. But something still missed the mark.

Here’s the truth:
It’s not what you said. It’s what you didn’t hear.

In this episode, I sit down with listening expert Christine Miles, who challenges what you think it means to truly listen. Are you listening to reply—or listening to understand?

We unpack:

Why most people retain only 17–25% of what’s said (yep, you read that right)
How to shift from half-hearing to fully leading
And the underrated art of interrupting to understand—not interrupting to tell

Christine shares powerful tools you can use right away:

The Flashlight Technique
Compass Questions
The Listening Path

If you want to lead better conversations, build stronger trust, and stop missing what matters—start here.

The Whole Educator is now booking for the 2025–2026 school year—keynotes, PD, and our Human Centered Academy are all designed to turn resistance into real progress. Check out the options at https://bit.ly/WholeEdPrograms and let’s make next year the one where things finally shift.