How to Keep Your Say When Interrupted

Why yielding the floor to an interruption can project a lack of confidence.

In a professional setting, being interrupted is a common challenge.

The instinctive reaction of many people is to stop, apologize ("I'm sorry" or "excuse me") and yield the floor.

However, this behavior, while polite on the surface, is a strategic mistake.

By giving up space so easily, we project an image of lack of confidence and communicate nonverbally that our own ideas are not important enough to be defended.

This passivity can undermine our credibility with the rest of the audience (colleagues, superiors, clients), who may interpret the interruption as a sign that our argument was weak or irrelevant.

The 3-step anti-interruption technique

To keep the floor assertive but not aggressive, you can employ a three-step technique that combines nonverbal and verbal for maximum impact:

Immediate Body Language: The instant the interruption begins, open your eyes slightly wider and tilt your head slightly forward.

This is an instinctive gesture that signals attention and firmness, communicating that you will not back down.

Stop Gesture: Simultaneously, raise one hand palm up toward the interrupter.

This is the universal "stop" gesture and acts as a clear and respectful physical barrier to stop the intrusion.

Firm Statement: Accompany the gestures with a short, direct phrase to claim your turn.

Power phrases to use: "Let me finish the idea" or "I'm still talking."

The verbal statement should be brief, firm and delivered without losing the rhythm of the speech.

Instead of apologizing, use an assertive power phrase.

Two very effective options are:

"Let me finish the idea, please."

"Wait a minute, I'm still talking." The key is to utter the phrase and, without waiting for a response, immediately continue your argument.

This does not open a debate about the interruption; it simply stops it and redirects attention to your message, demonstrating control and confidence.

When is it appropriate to use this technique and when is it best to yield the floor?

This technique is a powerful tool, but it should not be used indiscriminately.

Before applying it, it is necessary to do a quick cost-benefit analysis.

It is not a technique to use with a hierarchical superior or a respected authority figure; in such cases, the strategic deference of yielding the floor is usually the smarter option.

The anti-interruption technique is more appropriate in meetings with peers, di