It can be frustrating when someone interrupts you, especially if it happens often. Addressing such situations directly is a great way to stop this habit for good, so here are the smart ways proven to handle frequent interruptions and regain control of any conversation.
Stay Calm and Polite
Remaining calm in this situation will help you to have a clear mind. For example, telling them “I’d appreciate it if you could wait until I have finished speaking,” conveys a sense of authority but also shows that you aren’t emotionally impacted by their interruption.
Redirect the Conversation
If someone cuts you off, you have the power to redirect the conversation. For instance, saying to them that you will come back to their point clearly outlines to them that you want to elaborate on your own thoughts without getting side-tracked or distracted.
Use a Hand Gesture
For those who are more comfortable with using body language to express themselves, it could be a good idea to use hand gestures such as placing your finger on your lips or lifting your hand up to signal to them that they should be quiet.
Acknowledge Their Point
When someone interrupts us, it can be tempting to speak over them by trying to continue your point. However, it can be more productive to acknowledge their point by offering a personal opinion on it before moving back to finishing what you were saying.
Use Humour
Using humour when someone interrupts you can diffuse the tension and also alert them that you are irritated by the interruption. For example, joking that they are “eager” or “impatient” could be a good way to make them think about their actions without crossing the line.
Express Your Need to Finish
Individuals who have been interrupted usually feel a desire to get everything off their chest. CNN recommends continuing to say how you appreciate the insight or that you are glad they agree with you, but that you want to finish your thought. This can help you to get your power back.
Clarify the Interruption
Investigating why someone is cutting you off can urge them to be introspective as it brings the issue to light. Psychology Today notes that we can reduce our blood pressure when we are interrupted by friends and relatives if we focus on why the person is interrupting.
Assertive but Respectful
No one wants to feel unheard or unappreciated when they are interrupted which is why it is important to be firm in these instances. Saying “I would like to finish my point” conveys an air of assertion but is also respectful towards the interruptor.
Use Positive Reinforcement
There is no need to be rude to someone who interrupts you as this can lead to resentment and tension. Instead, try to use positive reinforcement before expressing a desire to finish what you were saying. For example, “I can see you are enthusiastic but let me just finish this.”
Show Understanding
According to CBS, interrupters might also just be excited or eager to make their point. This is why it is important to understand why they are doing this and express empathy during the interaction as it may not be done out of bad intentions.
Use Questions
Those who interrupt may not even realize they are doing it. Asking questions such as “Could you hold on a moment while I finish?” calls them out directly for their behavior and allows them to reflect on why they are interjecting while you are speaking.
Use a Time Limit
As interrupting can be seen as urgent by the person doing it, you can use a time limit to show that you will come back to their point. For example: “Allow me just a few more seconds to finish.” This encourages them to be respectful until it is their turn.
Politely Ignore and Continue
Sometimes, ignoring the interruptor is the best thing to do, especially if they have been called out before. For many of us, it can feel diminishing and condescending, but it is best to continue speaking without giving them the satisfaction of reacting.
Set Ground Rules
Establishing rules when you are interrupted is a good way to maintain an element of respect and a framework for moving forward in the conversation. For instance, saying “Let’s agree to let each other finish speaking before interjecting,” can clarify that interruptions will not be tolerated.
Stay Focused
Keeping the interaction focused when someone cuts you off is a productive way to ensure that the conversation isn’t veering into a different territory. By saying “Let’s keep to the topic until I have finished,” it can send a strong message to the interrupter.
Use “I” Statements
Interrupters do so with the intention of taking ownership of the conversation. A good way to revert the topic back to yourself is by using “I” statements. This subtly shows that you are not accepting other viewpoints at this stage and aren’t at the point of considering other people’s inputs.
Highlight Importance
There is no need to diminish what the interrupters say as this can put pressure on the interaction and lead to strained relationships. Instead, acknowledge that their point is valid but that you want to keep the conversation focused on what you are trying to say.
Express Discomfort
Repetitive interruptions can be uncomfortable and sometimes it is necessary to express this to the person in question. For example, saying “It makes me uncomfortable when I can’t finish my point,” you are conveying that you don’t like to be interrupted by other people.