Interrupting Correctly for Effective Communication

The Power of an Interruption

The Fear of an Interruption

The Right Way to Interrupt

Here are some tips to help you interrupt in a professional and courteous manner:

1. Wait for a Pause: The first rule of interrupting is to wait for an appropriate pause. This means you should not interrupt someone mid-sentence or mid-thought. Instead, wait for a natural break in the conversation, like the end of a sentence or the end of a point.
2. Use a Polite Introduction: Before you interrupt, it is crucial to use a polite introduction to get the other person’s attention. You could say, “Excuse me, I’d like to add something” or “May I offer my opinion?” This introduction shows that you respect the speaker’s contribution and would like to add value to the discussion.
3. Be Direct: When you have the speaker’s attention, be direct and concise in your interruption. State your point clearly and briefly. Remember, the goal is to contribute to the conversation, not to dominate it.
4. Stay Focused: Make sure you stay focused on the topic at hand. Avoid rambling or bringing up unrelated points. Keep your interruption brief and to the point, and try to make it relevant to the current discussion.
5. Use Body Language: Your body language can also communicate that you would like to contribute to the conversation. You could lean forward slightly or raise your hand, which signals to the speaker that you have something to say.

The Wrong Way to Interrupt

Here are a few examples of what not to do when interrupting at work:

1. Speaking out of turn: Interrupting someone in the middle of their sentence can be jarring and rude. Instead, wait for an appropriate pause before jumping in with your own thoughts
2. Cutting off others: Interrupting someone mid-sentence can also give the impression that you don’t value their opinion or that you’re only interested in hearing yourself speak.
3. Being disrespectful: Interrupting with a dismissive or condescending tone can also come across as rude and disrespectful.
4. Repeating yourself: Interrupting to repeat something that has already been said can be frustrating for everyone involved. Make sure you’re adding something new to the conversation before interrupting.

The Best Time to Interrupt

The Worst Time to Interrupt

Here are some situations where interrupting should be avoided:

1. During a presentation: It’s never appropriate to interrupt someone who is giving a presentation or speech. Wait until they’ve finished speaking, or take note of your question and ask it during the Q&A session.
2. When someone is on the phone: If you need to talk to someone who is on the phone, it’s better to wait until they’re finished with their call. Interrupting them while they’re on the phone is not only rude but can also be distracting for the person on the other end of the line.
3. During a meeting with your boss: Interrupting your boss during a meeting can come across as disrespectful, so it’s best to wait for a natural break in the conversation or until the meeting is over.
4. When someone is upset: If someone is visibly upset or emotional, it’s not the time to interrupt them. Allow them the time and space to express themselves before trying to interject.

The Phrases You Need to Know

However, there are certain phrases you can use to interrupt in a polite and professional way. 

1. “Excuse me, may I add something to this conversation?”  This phrase is a great way to interject without being too forceful. It also shows respect for the person who is speaking by acknowledging their contribution before sharing your own.
2. “I understand your point of view, but can I offer another perspective?” This phrase is perfect if you want to disagree or present a different angle to a discussion. By acknowledging the other person’s viewpoint, you show that you are not trying to dismiss their ideas, but rather build upon them.
3. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but this is important.” Use this phrase when you have urgent information that needs to be shared immediately. It conveys the urgency of your interruption while still maintaining a level of politeness.
4. “If I could just jump in here for a moment…” This phrase is perfect for when you want to share your ideas or thoughts quickly, without derailing the conversation too much. It’s a polite and professional way to grab the attention of others and make your contribution known.
5. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I think we may be getting off-topic.” Use this phrase if you feel like the conversation is veering away from its original focus. It’s a good way to redirect the discussion back to the main point without being too confrontational.

How Learn Laugh Speak Can Help Busy Adults Learn English 

Here are some reasons why:

1. Flexibility: Our program is accessible on all devices, including smartphones and tablets. This means you can learn whenever and wherever you want, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.
2. Personalisation: Our customised journey feature is designed to help you focus on areas where you need improvement. This means you won’t waste time on lessons you don’t need and can progress more efficiently.
3. Diversity: Our program offers a wide range of question types and lessons that cover reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. This ensures you receive a well-rounded education and are able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings.
4. Accountability: Our tests and progress reports provide feedback and motivation, helping you to stay on track and achieve your language goals. Additionally, managers can use our progress reports to ensure their teams are making progress in their English language skills.