What to Do When Someone Interrupts You

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Being repeatedly interrupted while speaking can be extremely frustrating. More importantly, interruptions hinder communication and open the door to a variety of problems, from misunderstandings to hurt feelings and time management issues.

Why People Interrupt Each Other

People cut one another off in conversation for many reasons. Some people can’t wait to express their views, while others believe interruptions make conversations more exciting. Others interrupt in order to take control of a conversation or show that they know more than the speaker.

Sometimes interruptions are acceptable, even welcome. An interruption may contribute an important or timely fact or detail that enhances, rather than hinder, communication. But most of the time interruptions are a nuisance. Therefore, it’s important to know how to manage them effectively.

1. Address the Problem

With chronic interrupters, you won’t get far by being polite or subtle. Your best bet is to ask the person to let you finish what you’re saying. There are many ways to do this, for example:

“Please allow me to finish telling the story before we open the matter up for discussion.”
“I value your suggestions, but could you please not interrupt and let me finish my thoughts? We can open the topic up for discussion after that.”
“I’m glad you’re eager to chime in, but I’m not done yet.”
“Would you mind if I finish?”
“One moment, please.”

2. Stop Talking

Stop speaking abruptly when someone interrupts you. Either the person will stop talking, or you may wait for a pause and ask: “May I continue?” or say: “As I was saying earlier …”.

3. Keep Talking

Some chronic interrupters are especially rude and determined to take over the conversation, so you may need to be more assertive. Keep talking. Ignore the interruption and continue to speak normally. Ignoring interruptions prevents others from derailing your conversation or taking control and focus away from you.

4. Stop Interruptions Before They Happen

Before you start the conversation, communicate to the other person(s) that you will welcome questions and comments when you’re done speaking.

5. Adjust Your Body Language

Offer nonverbal signs that you’re the speaker, not the listener. For example, break eye contact and look away, raise your finger or hand, touch the other person’s arm (if appropriate) to indicate you’re still talking, etc.

Final Thoughts

Be prepared for interruptions and try not to take them personally. Chances are people who frequently interrupt you do that to everybody. So it’s about them, not you.

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Lucienne Gigante

Lucienne Gigante is a strategic communications, crisis management, and reputation management leader.

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