How to Interrupt Someone Politely: Tips for Breaking into a Conversation

How do you break into a conversation without being rude? It can be difficult to know how to join in when everyone seems to be chatting away. But if you want to join the discussion, it’s important to do so politely. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for breaking into a conversation without causing offence.

 

1. Wait for a break in the conversation

The easiest way to join in a conversation is to wait for a break in the discussion. This might be when someone takes a breath or when someone finishes speaking. If you can, try to time your interruption so that it doesn’t disrupt the flow of conversation.

When you do interrupt, make sure to say something relevant to the conversation. Don’t just jump in and start talking about your own experiences or opinions. Instead, try to build on what the other people have been saying.

If you don’t know what to say, ask a question instead. This can help to keep the conversation flowing and it will also give you a chance to learn more about the topic.

example of an appropriate interruption

Person A: I’m not sure if I should go for the job. It’s a lot of responsibility and the pay isn’t great.

Person B: Well, have you considered how it would impact your family? They might need to adjust to having you working fewer hours.

Person A: Yeah, that’s a good point. I’m going to have to think about it some more.

 

2. Use body language to show that you want to join the conversation

If you can’t wait for a break in the conversation, then use your body language to show that you want to join in. Try to make eye contact with the other people in the discussion and smile. This will let them know that you want to participate.

Once you have their attention, you can raise your hand or nod in agreement to signal that you have something to contribute. Make sure not to interrupt the speaker while they are talking though!

example of using body language to show interest

Person A: I’m not sure if I should go for the job. It’s a lot of responsibility and the pay isn’t great.

Person B: Well, have you considered how it would impact your family? They might need to adjust to having you working fewer hours.

Person A: Yeah, that’s a good point. I’m going to have to think about it some more.

Person C: who has been silent until now, raises her hand and nods in agreement.

 

3. Say “Excuse me” and ask if you can join the conversation

The best way to interrupt someone is to simply say “Excuse me”. This lets them know that you want their attention. You could also use phrases like “I’m sorry for interrupting” or “Can I just add something here?”.

You should then quickly explain why you want to join the conversation. For example, you could say “I heard what you were saying and I wanted to share my opinion” or “Can I ask a question?”.

If the speaker doesn’t want you to participate, they will let you know. They might say something like “I’m not finished yet” or “This is a private conversation”. If this happens, it’s best to wait until they have finished talking before trying again.

 

example of saying “excuse me” and asking permission to join in

Person A: I’m not sure if I should go for the job. It’s a lot of responsibility and the pay isn’t great.

Person B: Well, have you considered how it would impact your family? They might need to adjust to having you working fewer hours.

Person A: Yeah, that’s a good point. I’m going to have to think about it some more.

Person C: who has been silent until now, raises her hand and nods in agreement.

Person D: Excuse me, can I join in? I heard what you were saying and I wanted to share my opinion.

Person A: Yeah, sure. Go ahead.

Person D: Thanks. I think it would be a good idea to take the job because of the experience it would give you.

 

4. Apologize if you interrupt someone inadvertently

It’s never polite to interrupt a conversation, but sometimes it happens by accident. If this happens, then the best thing you can do is apologize and explain why it happened.

For example, you might say “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cut across what you were saying” or “I didn’t realize you were still talking”. This will let the speaker know that you respect their time and that you didn’t mean to cause any inconvenience.

 

example of apologizing for interrupting someone

Person A: I’m not sure if I should go for the job. It’s a lot of responsibility and the pay isn’t great.

Person B: Well, have you considered how it would impact your family? They might need to adjust to having you working fewer hours.

Person A: Yeah, that’s a good point. I’m going to have to think about it some more.

Person C: who has been silent until now, raises her hand and nods in agreement.

Person D: Sorry, I didn’t mean to cut across what you were saying. I didn’t realize you were still talking.

 

5. Listen to the other person’s response

Once you have interrupted someone politely, it is important that you listen to their response. This will help them feel respected and shows that you value what they have to say. You should also avoid interrupting again unless necessary!

If a speaker does not want your input at this time, then don’t force it. Simply wait until they are finished talking and then try again. This will show that you are respectful and willing to let them speak.

Interrupting someone can be a difficult situation, but following these tips will help you do it politely and effectively.

Just make sure that you are respectful of the speaker’s time and don’t interrupt them while they are talking. With a little practice, you’ll be able to join in conversations with ease!