Whether it’s someone in the audience, a colleague who constantly interjects, a superior who dominates conversations, or a client who disregards your input, handling interruptions with professionalism and poise is essential. To do that you need some tools in your speaker toolbox. Public speaking coach Rosemary Ravinal obliges in this column.
By Rosemary Ravinal
No one likes to be interrupted when they’re speaking. But some people relish the role of disruptor, the contrarian, the “bad ass” who challenges the speaker and steals the show. Others interrupt in more subtle ways and may be unaware of their rudeness.
Recently, a young man in a conversation circle I was moderating shouted out that I was steering the discussion with bias. Earlier, I had cut him off when he tried to interrupt other participants. I walked towards him and asked him to stand and voice his opinion. He did so warily. After he spoke, I thanked him for the courage of his convictions. He looked at me with disbelief and didn’t interrupt again.
The lesson I share here is that though rude interruptions shouldn’t be tolerated, there’s value in defusing anger that may escalate if not released in time. Giving a repeat interrupter the spotlight may satisfy their need for attention and validation.
Here are a few phrases you can use to demonstrate confidence and control:
- Assertively reclaim your speaking time:
- Let’s ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
- Please wait your turn to speak.
- Let me finish so you can understand better.
- Redirect the conversation:
- That’s an interesting perspective, and I’ll address it in a moment.
- I hear what you’re saying, but I’d like to finish this thought before we explore that.
- I’m glad you asked that question, but for the sake of time, could we hold off until the end?
- Address interrupters with diplomacy:
- I’ve noticed that you often jump in when I’m speaking. Would you raise your hand instead of interrupting me in mid-sentence?
- I value our discussions but give me a chance to fully state my ideas for context.
- Let’s take your comments offline so we have more time to dialogue.
Body language and proximity to the interrupter, as I used effectively, are good techniques to have in your arsenal. Raising a hand slightly, maintaining direct eye contact, or holding up a finger to signal “just a moment” can deter interruptions without building tension.
Rosemary Ravinal’s Master Communicator Blog, How to deal with interruptions and stay cool, expands on non-verbal techniques to deal with unwanted interruptions.
Let Rosemary help you speak with impact and confidence. Office hours with Rosemary Ravinal are available. Click here for more information.
