How to Stop Getting Interrupted When Speaking, According to An Expert

By Moon Harper

May 22, 2024 05:34 AM EDT

A Stop Sign — (Photo : Unsplash/Nadine Shaabana )

Interruptions are common, and whether they happen at work or elsewhere, they can be frustrating as they hinder one's ability to express oneself, contribute effectively, showcase one's skills, and feel confident about oneself.

John Bowe, who is a speech trainer, award-winning journalist, and the author of "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection," advises to silently raise a hand or finger and firmly utter this three-word magic phrase to combat interruptions:

"[Name], I'm Speaking."

You can adjust the phrase to suit the situation, but the key is to address the person by name, politely and briefly, to halt their interruption, advises Bowe. While this phrase may sound handy, it is important to reduce the chances that anyone will interrupt you in the first place.

Below are the tips you can implement to communicate more authoritatively both at work and in your personal life, according to Bowe:

Tips for Speaking More Authoritatively

1. Come in The Room Well-Prepared

When speaking in public, it is crucial to captivate your audience from the start. To achieve this, take a moment to organize your thoughts and determine the most effective way to convey them. Clearly articulate the significance of your message upfront before delving into the specifics. Begin with the main takeaway to immediately grab your audience's attention and avoid meandering towards your point.

2. Capture The Room's Attention

Public speaking is about considering your audience. If you are used to speaking softly at home but struggle with it at work, it is time to make a change.

Practice speaking clearly and purposefully by eliminating filler words like "um," "ah," "like," and "you know." Also, steer clear of upspeak, where your voice rises at the end of sentences, making them sound like questions. The more confident your speech is, the more impactful it will be.

If your meetings are well-organized, simply raising your finger or arm silently may suffice to signal your intention to speak. However, if meetings are typically chaotic, you might need to stand up and assertively state, "I'd like to talk," at the right moment.

3. Change The Rules of The Game of Winning Seems Impossible

After the meeting, discuss your concerns with your manager and propose solutions. Suggest implementing a round-robin approach where each person speaks in turn and emphasizes the importance of preventing interruptions during discussions.

Another strategy is collaborating with your colleagues and supporting each other during meetings. If someone interrupts, speak up on the speaker's behalf and encourage the interrupting colleague to hear what the speaking colleague has to say.

Embracing these steps might feel scary if you have spent years not being heard. While it is natural to feel anxious about changing this patterned behavior, think of practicing it as a form of self-improvement to pave a new path in your work and personal life.