How to Handle Interruptions in English
You're sharing an important idea in a meeting when a colleague jumps in with their thoughts.
By the time they finish, the conversation has moved to a different topic, and your point is lost forever. Or you wait patiently for a break in conversation that never comes, watching as louder voices dominate the discussion.
This happens to non-native English speakers constantly.
You're taught to be polite and wait your turn, but in many English-speaking workplaces, polite waiting means being ignored. Learning to handle interruptions, both giving and receiving them, is essential for professional success.
Understanding Interruption Culture
Different cultures have different conversation styles. In many English-speaking business environments, especially in the US, overlapping conversation and polite interruption are normal and expected. This isn't rudeness—it's how ideas flow and decisions get made.
The key is learning the difference between professional interruption (which shows engagement) and rude interruption (which shows disrespect).
Professional vs. Rude Interruptions
Professional interruptions:
Build on the speaker's point
Add relevant information
Ask clarifying questions
Show active listening
Rude interruptions:
Change the subject completely
Dismiss the speaker's point
Show you weren't listening
Make it about yourself
Part 1: How to Politely Interrupt When You Need To
Strategy 1: The Bridge Interrupt
Wait for a brief pause, then connect your point to what they just said.
Phrases to use:
"That's exactly right, and it reminds me of..."
"Building on that point..."
"That connects perfectly with what I was thinking about..."
Example: Colleague: "...so the marketing campaign needs to target younger demographics." You: "That's exactly right, and it reminds me of the research I found about social media preferences in that age group..."
Strategy 2: The Question Interrupt
Use a question to gently redirect the conversation.
Phrases to use:
"Can I ask a quick question about that?"
"Before we move on, can you clarify..."
"That raises an interesting point—what about...?"
Example: Colleague: "We should launch in three cities simultaneously..." You: "Can I ask a quick question about that? What's our budget allocation for each city?"
Strategy 3: The Time-Sensitive Interrupt
Use when you have urgent information that affects the discussion.
Phrases to use:
"Sorry to interrupt, but this might change our discussion..."
"I hate to jump in, but I just learned something relevant..."
"Quick point that might affect this decision..."
Example: Colleague: "Let's schedule the product launch for December..." You: "Sorry to interrupt, but this might change our discussion—I just heard that our main competitor is launching in December too."
Part 2: How to Respond When Others Interrupt You
Strategy 1: The Polite Hold
Acknowledge their interruption but maintain your speaking time.
Phrases to use:
"I appreciate that point—let me just finish this thought first..."
"That's a great question—I'll address it in just a moment..."
"Good point—let me complete this idea and then we can discuss that..."
Example: You: "The data shows our customers prefer..." Interrupter: "But what about the cost implications?" You: "That's a great question—let me complete this idea about customer preferences, and then we can discuss the cost implications together."
Strategy 2: The Redirect Return
Acknowledge their point and smoothly return to yours.
Phrases to use:
"Absolutely, and that actually supports what I was saying about..."
"Right, which is why I think..."
"Exactly, and that's connected to my point about..."
Example: You: "We need better customer service training..." Interrupter: "Customer service is expensive to improve." You: "Right, which is why I think the training approach I'm suggesting could be cost-effective..."
Strategy 3: The Partnership Redirect
Turn the interruption into a collaborative discussion.
Phrases to use:
"Let's explore both ideas—what I was thinking, plus your point about..."
"That's worth discussing. Can we look at both perspectives?"
"Good point. How does that fit with what I was suggesting about...?"
Part 3: Reading the Room
When interrupting is expected:
Brainstorming sessions
Fast-paced team meetings
Crisis discussions
Informal team conversations
When to avoid interrupting:
Formal presentations
When someone is clearly emotional
During announcements from senior management
When someone specifically asks not to be interrupted
Cultural Considerations
American business culture: More interruption tolerance, especially in creative or fast-paced environments.
British business culture: Less direct interruption. Use more questions and softer language.
International/mixed groups: Be more careful and formal until you understand the group dynamic.
Virtual Meeting Strategies
Video calls make interruption timing more difficult. Here are specific techniques:
Use visual cues:
Raise your hand slightly
Lean forward to show engagement
Use facial expressions to show you want to speak
Use chat strategically:
Type "Great point!" to show engagement
Write your question in chat if speaking opportunities are limited
Use chat to signal you want to speak: "I have a related point when there's a good moment"
Verbal techniques for video:
"Can I jump in here?"
"I'd like to add something to that..."
"May I share a quick thought?"
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Practice transition phrases Record yourself saying bridge phrases until they sound natural. Practice with different tones—confident but not aggressive.
Exercise 2: Role-play scenarios Practice with a colleague or friend. Take turns interrupting each other politely and responding professionally.
Exercise 3: Video meeting practice Join practice video calls and work on timing and visual cues for virtual interruptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too apologetic: "I'm so sorry to interrupt, but maybe, if it's okay..." This undermines your authority.
Too aggressive: "No, that's wrong..." This damages relationships.
Too indirect: Hoping people will notice you want to speak without actually speaking up.
Wrong timing: Interrupting during emotional moments or important announcements.
Building Your Interruption Confidence
Start with low-stakes situations like team meetings with friendly colleagues. Practice one technique until it feels natural, then add others to your toolkit.
Remember: Professional interruption isn't about being rude—it's about ensuring all voices are heard and the best ideas surface. When done respectfully, interruption actually improves team communication and decision-making.
Your goal is to become someone who contributes actively to discussions while respecting others' contributions. This balance is what makes you a valuable team member and meeting participant.
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