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The Jefferson Fisher PodcastThe Jefferson Fisher Podcast

Handling Interruptions: How to Keep Your Voice Heard

You want to handle interruptions kindly, but you're not sure how to assert yourself without escalating the situation. In this episode, I'm revealing 3 simple ways to handle interruptions effectively. These strategies will help you maintain control of the conversation and make sure your voice is heard. Plus, I share common mistakes people make when dealing with interruptions and how to avoid them. You can stand up for yourself while keeping the conversation productive and respectful. This episode will show you how. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5 star review. ——— Listen and Follow on Spotify https://bit.ly/TJFP-Spotify Listen and Follow on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/JFP-Apple Pre-order my new book: http://www.thenextconversation.com Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/newsletter Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher Follow me on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson Follow me on X/Twitter: https://x.com/jefferson_fishr

Jefferson Fisherhost
Aug 6, 202414mWatch on YouTube ↗

At a glance

WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT

Practical scripts and boundaries to handle interruptions without losing control

  1. He recommends allowing a first interruption to avoid sounding defensive and to give the other person space to get their thought out.
  2. On the second interruption, he advises using the person’s name plus a calm “power phrase” like “I can’t hear you when you interrupt me” to regain control without escalating.
  3. If interruptions continue, he suggests escalating to clear boundaries, including ending or pausing the conversation if respect isn’t shown.
  4. He distinguishes between intentional rude interruptions and habitual/neurologically-driven interruptions, emphasizing grace and strategy over confrontation.
  5. For chronic “serial interrupters,” he proposes changing the communication channel (e.g., email/text instead of live conversation) and explicitly naming the pattern if needed.

IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING

5 ideas

Let the first interruption happen to keep the high ground.

Jumping in with “I’m still talking” can make you sound insecure or controlling; letting it pass once reduces defensiveness and sets up a stronger response if it happens again.

After they interrupt once, return to your original point—don’t chase the tangent.

Listen, then resume exactly where you left off so you don’t reward the interruption by abandoning your message or getting pulled into their “rabbit trail.”

Use their name to stop the pattern without a fight.

Saying the person’s name grabs attention and subtly signals accountability, making your correction more likely to land.

Use a calm, non-accusatory script: “I can’t hear you when you interrupt me.”

Delivered slowly and confidently, it frames the problem as a communication constraint rather than a character attack, which reduces escalation and often stops repeat interruptions.

Pair respect with firmness: “I want to listen to you, but you need to let me finish.”

This acknowledges their desire to speak while clearly setting turn-taking expectations, which is especially helpful with excited or fast-processing speakers.

WORDS WORTH SAVING

5 quotes

Too often when you're speaking and somebody cuts in, we have the tendency to get really defensive.

— Jefferson Fisher

You cut out way strong ahead, and it makes you look like you're insecure. It makes you look like you're controlling. It's not a good look.

— Jefferson Fisher

After they've said what they need to say and they've interrupted you and you've listened, once they're done, don't address what they've said. All right? Go back to your original point right where you left off.

— Jefferson Fisher

Hey, Jefferson, I can't hear you when you interrupt me.

— Jefferson Fisher

If you continue to interrupt me, I need to end the conversation.

— Jefferson Fisher

Letting the first interruption happen (strategic restraint)Avoiding defensive phrases (“Excuse me, I’m not finished”)Using names to re-capture attentionPower phrases: “I can’t hear you when you interrupt me”Escalation and boundary-setting (ending the conversation)Respectful ways to interrupt (announce it, be brief)Serial interrupters and switching communication modes

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