Getting interrupted at work is one of those things that feels small in the moment, and sometimes it is.
However, other times, it builds, especially if it happens a lot. It can throw off your train of thought, make you feel invisible, and leave you wondering how to speak up without sounding sharp. Doing and saying these things can help you hold your space without turning it into a whole thing—calm, clear, and confident, just the way it should be.
1. Say, “I wasn’t quite done” and keep going.
This one’s simple, direct, and honestly kind of perfect. When someone jumps in before you’re finished, you don’t need a speech—just a calm, steady “I wasn’t quite done” and then carry on like it’s no big deal. It sends a clear message that your voice matters, and you’re not here to be talked over. There’s no attitude, no over-explaining. Instead, you’re holding your space and continuing your thought without backing down.
2. Use a light hand gesture to signal, “Hold on.”
Sometimes words aren’t even needed. If someone starts cutting in, a quick raise of your hand or a small “one moment” gesture does the trick. It’s subtle, but it gets the point across instantly. This works especially well in meetings or group settings where things move fast. It’s a soft boundary—not aggressive, just enough to say, “Hang on, I’m still here.”
3. Say, “Let me just finish this thought first.”
It’s polite, but still assertive. This line buys you a few seconds to finish what you’re saying without making it awkward. It also keeps the conversation collaborative since you’re not shutting anyone down, just asking for a beat. It works well when the person interrupting isn’t trying to be rude, just a bit too eager. It resets the flow without tension and gives you space to speak fully.
4. Bring a little humour into it.
If the vibe is right, and you know the person well, a little humour can soften the moment without losing your place. Something like, “Oop — I was mid-thought, but I’m flattered by the enthusiasm,” keeps it light but clear. It lets people know you noticed the interruption, but you’re not going to let it derail you. Sometimes a bit of levity gets people to check themselves quicker than anything else.
5. Just keep going—don’t give up your sentence.
Sometimes the best response is… no response. If you keep your tone steady and keep talking, the person interrupting will usually catch themselves and back off without you needing to say a word. This move works best when you’ve got confidence in what you’re saying. You’re not ignoring them; you’re showing that your words matter, and you’re not going to shrink mid-thought just because someone else jumped in.
6. Say, “I’ll come back to that in a sec, but let me finish this.”
This works well when the interrupter brings up something slightly off-topic or jumps ahead too quickly. You’re not shutting it down; you’re just putting it in the car park for a moment so you can actually finish your point. It shows leadership and focus. You’re keeping the conversation on track while also making it clear that their input isn’t being ignored—it’s just not happening yet.
7. Repeat your last sentence with a little emphasis.
If someone talks over you mid-thought, just pause for a second and then restate what you were saying, maybe with a tiny bit more weight this time. Not louder, just more intentional. It draws attention back to your words without needing a full confrontation. It’s basically saying, “I wasn’t done, and this matters,” but in a way that keeps the tone grounded.
8. Ask, “Can I just finish that thought quickly?”
This one’s soft but effective. You’re checking in, but still taking control. It’s especially helpful if the interrupter is someone senior or someone who doesn’t realise they’re doing it. It shows confidence without creating drama. You’re not waiting for permission; you’re politely reclaiming the floor and reminding everyone that your input still has space here.
9. Say their name, then redirect back to your point.
If someone cuts in, a quick “Thanks, Jen—just before we get into that, I’d like to wrap up what I was saying” helps bring things back without shutting anyone down completely. Using their name shows you’re staying respectful, but taking control of the flow. It’s calm, clean, and especially helpful in meetings where the discussion keeps jumping around too fast.
10. Let the group know you’ll finish and then open it up.
In bigger conversations, you can say something like, “I’ll share this quickly, and then I’d love to hear your thoughts.” This tells people not to jump in yet, but reassures them they’ll have space soon. It sets expectations without sounding bossy. It’s a smooth way to ask for a moment of focus while keeping the group dynamic healthy and open.
11. Pause and say, “Let’s come back to that—I want to finish this thread first.”
If someone veers off or interrupts with a new topic, gently steering things back can keep things focused. You’re acknowledging their idea, but asking to stick with the current moment. This move works especially well in meetings where everyone’s bouncing all over the place. You’re not policing anyone, just helping keep the structure steady so nothing important gets lost.
12. Circle back after you’ve finished.
If the interruption totally derailed you, and you didn’t get to respond in the moment, don’t worry—you can still bring it back. After the person finishes, say, “Just to close the loop on what I was saying earlier…” and take it from there. It might not feel ideal, but it still gets your voice back into the mix. As time goes on, people will learn that you’re not someone whose input gets quietly brushed aside.
13. Talk to repeat interrupters privately.
If someone regularly cuts you off, and it’s not just once or twice, it might be worth pulling them aside. A quick, non-confrontational “Hey, I’ve noticed you sometimes jump in when I’m mid-sentence, and I just want to make sure we’re hearing each other clearly” can go a long way.
Sometimes people don’t even realise they’re doing it, and one low-key chat can reset the whole dynamic. It’s not about calling them out; it’s about protecting your voice without turning it into a public clash.
14. Make it a team value to let people finish.
If you’re in a leadership role, or even just someone people listen to, you can help shape a culture where interruptions are less accepted. Things like, “Let’s make sure everyone gets to finish their thoughts” can be part of your team vibe.
It creates a ripple effect. People start paying attention, and over time, those frequent interrupters start to chill out a bit. It becomes less about confrontation and more about setting the tone for respectful communication.
15. Recognise when it’s time to assert more directly.
If someone keeps interrupting despite soft cues and polite redirection, it’s okay to get a little firmer. Something like, “Please let me finish my point” might feel blunt, but sometimes it’s necessary. It’s not rude. It’s clear. And if you say it with calm confidence, it actually helps shut down the pattern without making it awkward. You don’t owe constant softness to people who aren’t giving you basic respect.
16. Trust that holding your space is worth it.
At the end of the day, your voice deserves to be heard, without you having to fight for it every time. The more you get comfortable holding your space, the less rattling interruptions become. You’re not trying to dominate the room. Instead, you’re ensuring that you don’t disappear when you’ve got something to say. The more you practise speaking up when it matters, the more natural it starts to feel.
