Handle Being Interrupted
Thirty-two easy ways to handle being interrupted at work, so you finish your point and keep respect.
You may finish your sentence. Say it calmly and keep going.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg), The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Handle being interrupted
Being cut off at work can knock your confidence, but how you respond sets the tone. A calm, brief line to reclaim your turn, said without heat, usually works. Research by Kieran Snyder and others on workplace interruptions suggests it happens often, so having a plan helps.
Memorise: “I’d like to finish my point; then I’ll hear yours.”
Stay calm
Breathe.
Exhale.
Keep your voice steady
Don’t rush.
Slow.
Use their name
“Sam, one moment.”
Say it.
Use a hand signal
Gentle stop.
Try.
Say "Let me finish"
Polite.
Practise.
Say "I'll come to you"
Promise.
Practise.
Say "As I was saying"
Return.
Practise.
Say "Hold that thought"
Friendly.
Practise.
Say "I'd like to complete"
Formal.
Practise.
Keep going
If they stop.
Continue.
Thank them
For waiting.
Say it.
Invite their point
After finishing.
Ask.
Avoid shouting
Never.
Stay low.
Avoid giving up
Don’t go silent.
Hold.
Avoid apologising
Skip sorry.
Remove.
Avoid scoring points
Stay professional.
Relax.
Ask the chair
For help.
Request.
Set meeting norms
One speaker at a time.
Suggest.
Scene: a loud colleague
Calm repeat.
Practise.
Scene: your boss
“May I finish this thought?”
Practise.
Scene: a client
“Let me complete, then your questions.”
Practise.
Scene: a video call
Use chat or raise hand.
Practise.
Scene: a group chat
Quote your message.
Post.
Scene: a phone call
Pause, then continue.
Practise.
Scene: a pattern
Speak privately.
Plan.
Scene: a bias suspicion
Document and raise.
Plan.
Scene: a friend
Gentle, honest.
Say it.
Scene: a family member
Warm limit.
Say it.
Scene: you interrupt
Notice and apologise.
Own it.
Support others
“Let her finish.”
Say it.
Amplify colleagues
Credit their points.
Do it.
Practise
With a friend.
Role-play.
Record yourself
Pace and volume.
Listen.
Use structure
“Three points.”
Say it.
Use firm tone
Lower.
Practise.
Be patient
Skill grows.
Keep going.
Seek help
Coaching.
Consider it.
Celebrate
You held your turn.
Mark it.
Close with calm
Say, “My voice deserves its turn.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“One moment, let me finish.”
“As I was saying…”
“I would love your thoughts next.”
“I noticed we are cutting in on each other.”
“Thanks for waiting.”
“I appreciate you hearing my point.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Stay calm
Use a pause phrase
Keep going
Offer a turn
Bring in the chair
Talk privately
Thank them
Further reading
- Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg)
- The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
