Speak up about what’s happening

Your opening line can be brief and to the point

In a meeting, you’re explaining why the cost estimate has changed. A colleague interrupts you for the second time and starts talking about their proposal. If you give up the floor, the team may miss an important figure. If you assume your colleague has bad intentions, the conversation may turn into an argument about their behaviour.

An assertive response states what you want to do while leaving room for the other person, too. You could say, “I’ll finish explaining the cost figure, then I’ll hear your concern.” You’re saying what should happen next. If their concern could immediately affect whether your figure is accurate, you can let them raise it straight away.

Practice. Imagine someone interrupts you while you’re explaining a deadline. Say one sentence that gets you the floor back and makes clear when you’ll hand it over.

You want to finish sharing a figure the team needs before making a decision. How do you respond to the second interruption?

I’ll leave the explanation for now and add the figure to the meeting notes after we’ve made the decision.I’ll finish explaining the cost figure, then I’ll hear your concern.I’ll say that I’ll comment on the issue once my colleague admits they keep interrupting me.I’ll let my colleague finish their proposal and try to mention the costs if there’s time.

Speak up about what’s happening

Your opening line can be brief and to the point

You want to finish sharing a figure the team needs before making a decision. How do you respond to the second interruption?

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