Responding to Interruptions
Phrases for handling interruptions in meetings, in conversation, when someone talks over you, and when your point gets dismissed.
In Meetings
“I'd like to finish my thought before we move on.”
Simple and professional
“I wasn't quite done — let me wrap up, and then I'd love to hear your take.”
“I want to make sure my point lands. Can I have the floor for just a moment?”
When you keep getting cut off
“I think there's value in what I was saying. Let me finish, and then let's discuss.”
In Conversation
“Hold on — I wasn't finished. Let me get my thought out.”
With friends or family
“I'd like to finish what I was saying before we switch topics.”
“I know you're excited to respond, but I need to get this out first.”
Gentle but firm
“Can I just finish? I promise I'll be quick.”
When Someone Talks Over You
“I've noticed I keep getting talked over. I'd appreciate the chance to finish.”
Naming the pattern directly
“It's hard for me to contribute when I can't get through a full sentence.”
“I need you to let me speak. I'm trying to be part of this conversation too.”
When it's a repeated issue
“I want to share my perspective, but I need space to actually say it.”
When Someone Dismisses Your Point
“I don't think that was taken seriously, and I'd like to revisit it.”
In a professional setting
“I feel like my point was glossed over. Can we come back to it?”
“I said something that I think matters. I'd appreciate it if we didn't move past it so quickly.”
“I'm going to repeat what I said, because I don't think it was fully heard.”
When it's worth insisting