How To Deal With People Who Interrupt You
Aug 15, 2024Have you ever been mid-sentence, sharing your thoughts in a meeting or conversation, only to have someone cut you off? If you're like many of my clients, this moment triggers a wave of frustration, self-doubt, or even resentment. But what if I told you that dealing with interruptions is not about being more polite or accommodating—it’s about reclaiming your power?
In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how to handle interruptions confidently and calmly, so you can express yourself fully without fearing pushback.
Why "Nice People" Struggle with Interruptions
"A nice person can’t get angry, can’t be annoyed… A nice person has to be timid."
If you’ve ever been labeled as “too nice,” you know the struggle of feeling like you can’t push back when someone interrupts you. Maybe you’ve been taught to avoid conflict or to downplay your feelings. Unfortunately, this “nice person” mindset leaves you powerless in moments when you should be speaking up.
The truth is, you do have the right to assert yourself when someone interrupts you. You’re entitled to finish your point and have your voice heard. It’s not about being rude; it’s about owning your space.
The Key to Handling Interruptions: Give Yourself Permission
"I have permission to finish my thought."
One of the biggest reasons people allow interruptions is they don’t feel they have the right to challenge them. That’s why the first step is giving yourself permission to speak up. You are entitled to finish what you’re saying. No one has the right to cut you off and derail your thoughts.
This shift in mindset—from feeling like a passive participant to an equal player—can change everything. The moment you believe you deserve to finish your point, you’ll find it much easier to take action when someone interrupts.
A Simple Strategy: How to Stop Interruptions in Their Tracks
"You override and say, 'Let me finish.'"
Now, let’s talk tactics. When someone interrupts you, you don’t need to raise your voice or get defensive. Instead, try a calm but firm approach. Here’s one of my go-to strategies: when someone cuts you off, raise your hand slightly (a subtle “stop” gesture) and say, “Hold on a second, let me finish my point.”
This method works because it’s both assertive and respectful. You’re not escalating the situation, but you are making it clear that you intend to complete your thought.
It’s Time to Reclaim Your Voice
"The only way to change your dynamic with someone who interrupts is to change you."
Dealing with interruptions is about more than just a conversational tactic—it’s about reclaiming your sense of power and self-worth. You don’t have to sit silently or explode in frustration. You can calmly assert your right to be heard.
Start by practicing this in low-stakes situations—social gatherings or casual conversations. Over time, you’ll build the confidence to handle interruptions in higher-stakes settings, like work meetings or important discussions.
Remember, you deserve to speak up. And with the right mindset and tools, you can do it confidently and without fear.
You’ve got this.
Reading blogs and watching videos online is a start...
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