Back to all posts
People will interrupt you.
Maybe it’s not their intention to be rude… but it’s still disrespectful.
(And unfortunately, this can happen more often to diverse professionals.)
How do you react?
Don’t say… “Excuse me, I was talking.”
This is a passive position, even with a forceful tone.
“I not only have the right to stand up for myself, but I have the responsibility. I can’t ask somebody else to stand up for me if I won’t stand up for myself.”
Instead… Here’s 3 powerful options:
1/ Calmly and assertively say:
“I can’t hear you when you interrupt me.”
It’s saying, if you want me to listen… you need to wait.
2/ Continue… and slow down your words with the same volume.
Don’t respond to what they said…
Just continue what you were saying before in a slow, controlled way. Be careful not to raise the volume of your voice.
“What. I. Was. Saying…”
This highlights your self-control, in contrast to their impatient interruption.
3/ Use the phrase “You’re next.”
Raise your hand in a “hold on” manner and say, “You’re next”.
It’s saying… As soon as I’m done talking, you’re next in line. This gives them a time and place for them to enter back in, without interrupting.
Transform interruptions into opportunities to demonstrate your leadership.
Use your voice to create an environment where every voice is heard and respected – including yours!
“I not only have the right to stand up for myself, but I have the responsibility. I can’t ask somebody else to stand up for me if I won’t stand up for myself.”
Maya Angelou
American author, poet and civil rights activist
