We’ve all been stuck in that conversation.
The one where someone – loud, animated and absolutely loving the sound of their own voice -just… won’t… stop.
Maybe it’s at a party, when their story about holidaying in Greece turns into a full blown TED Talk. Or at work, when a simple “yes or no” question becomes a 12-minute monologue.
You know it’s well past time to jump in – however saying something feels rude. So, you sit, nod, and silently figure out what you are having for dinner tonight.
Here’s the truth: you’re allowed to interrupt. In fact, sometimes you need to. The trick is interrupting kindly, clearly, and with confidence.
Over-talkers don’t usually mean any harm. They’re just caught up in their own importance. That’s why your job is to stay fully present, listen for the split-second pause, and redirect the conversation with grace.
Here’s my three-step plan and some examples to show you how to do this:
🧠 Pay attention.
Watch and wait for the tiniest opening – a breath, a pause, a change in tone of their voice.
👂 Acknowledge first.
Interrupting doesn’t have to be blunt. Recognise their point before guiding the chat elsewhere.
🗣 Use their name.
It grabs attention politely and lets them know you’re shifting the conversation, not dismissing it.
💬 Try this:
“Susan, that’s great. I never knew that about holidaying in Greece. Last year I visited…”
“Jonathon, your thoughts on rostering remind me of a similar issue we tackled last year…”
Or when things really need a reset:
“Tina, can I jump in real quick here? I’d love to open up the conversation a bit.”
These approaches feel firm, not forceful. They keep the conversation flowing without letting one person dominate the room.
So next time you feel stuck in someone else’s verbal vortex – don’t sit back and disappear. Use this plan to successfully interrupt and make your contribution.
If you’re ready to lead conversations with more clarity, confidence, and calm authority, let’s connect. xx