What to say when someone keeps interrupting
SOCIAL GRACES
Q: What should you say to people who can’t pick up on social cues that they’re interrupting you?
A: There are a few things you could say. One would be, “Excuse me, do you mind if I finish my thought?” This does a couple of things: It reminds them they have overstepped, and it allows them to see the graciousness in you.
Some people get very excited in conversations and want to get their point in. If you are having a lighthearted conversation with someone you know, try to be mindful of this and not get upset.
If I am in a business setting and I am interrupted while speaking, I redirect by saying, “We can get through this training a lot faster if you allow me to finish my thought. If you’d like to add some value to the topic, I am really open to that.”
A: Being interrupted, whether by someone you hardly know or know well, can not only feel frustrating and dismissive, it can also get pretty awkward.
If someone isn’t picking up on social cues, it’s time to become more direct.
Often we hesitate to express ourselves due to fear of the other person’s reaction.
You can say:
“If you don’t mind letting me finish, then I’d love to hear what you have to say.”
“Please allow me to finish.”
“I’m sure you didn’t mean it, but you just interrupted me, which makes me feel as though you don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
Saying something when you’re interrupted is important because it allows people to recognize their behavior to increase selfawareness.
It’s a win-win, as you’re able to express yourself while the other person will respect you more for your honesty.