Maria, an advanced English learner from Brazil, often gets stuck during group discussions. Her problem is paradoxically unique yet common.
She understands the topic and knows the vocabulary, but struggles to interrupt the conversation politely. It may be a hypothetical example, but Maria is surely not altogether imaginary.
The 2024 EF English Proficiency Index concluded that there has been a global decline in English speaking skills. This conclusion is based on data from 2.1 million non-native speakers across 116 countries.
Millions are facing issues like Maria’s, not just with vocabulary but with the norms of fluent conversation. Interruption is seldom taught formally, but it’s a vital skill to have. This article will discuss four respectful interruption strategies to help you join a conversation politely and smoothly.
Use a Softener First
It can feel awkward to interrupt someone mid-sentence, especially if you’re just building your confidence in English. A softener can be a polite way to step in. It is a short phrase that prepares the listener for your interruption.
Think of it like knocking on someone’s door before entering. You do not jump in with your point right away but lead with something gentle and socially appropriate. Here are a few good examples of softeners:
- “Sorry to interrupt, but…”
- “I don’t mean to cut in, but…”
- “May I just add something quickly?”
- “If I may jump in for a second…”
Such softeners will work in both formal and casual settings. They’re especially useful during video calls, work meetings, or group discussions where speaking in turn matters. Sometimes, bodily cues alone may signal that a speaker’s turn will end soon.
Speaking of softeners, a 2024 analysis of human-to-human tutoring sessions discovered that polite strategies were used more frequently than direct ones. The data shows that in real educational conversations, learners and tutors also rely on politeness.
Softeners not only reduce the chance of sounding rude but also give the speaker a moment to pause. Imagine you’re in a group call and someone is speaking at length. You want to question them before the topic changes.
Instead of asking, “What do you mean by that?” you could simply begin with a softener. It would then become, “Sorry to interrupt, may I just ask what you meant by that?” Try recording yourself with different softeners before your sentences to build confidence, rhythm, and flow.
Let Your Body Speak
You don’t always have to interrupt someone with words. In many settings, even virtual conversations involving a video call, bodily cues can do all the work.
Facial expressions, calculated pauses, and small gestures can all signal your intention to speak. You don’t even have to cut someone off mid-sentence, let alone worry about sounding rude.
A few examples of letting the body speak include:
- Leaning slightly forward
- Nodding while preparing to speak
- Raising your hand gently or lifting a finger
- Opening your mouth slightly to signal readiness
Communication experts often emphasize the importance of non-verbal cues in dialogue. Take the role of a speech-language pathologist as an example. Cleveland State University notes that this role involves technical skills and a deep commitment to understanding how people communicate in different contexts.
This means students enrolled in speech pathologist programs are taught to rely on more than speech for effective communication. A master’s degree specifically trains students in empathy, visual cues, and listening.
Moreover, those pursuing an online Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology are uniquely positioned to improve their observation accuracy. The video-based training through recorded sessions is often self-paced as the clips can be rewatched to study subtle non-verbal shifts.
As for you, consider practicing bodily cues to get better. All you need to do is signal the body language, pause for a bit, and use a softener when you speak.
Repeat a Keyword or Phrase from the Speaker
Want a clever way to interrupt someone without sounding rude? Create the impression that you were listening or paying attention to what they were saying! You can do this by repeating a word or phrase from the speaker.
Psychology Today shares that even a subtle repetition creates a mental pattern, helping the brain to recognize what truly matters. In conversations, this would mean that a single repeated word can prime the listener to pay closer attention to your point.
This is a clever way to interrupt because you will be using the speaker’s own rhythm to enter the conversation. It signals engagement, keeps on topic, and feels cooperative.
People in fields like law, particularly courtroom judges and attorneys, use this technique. When a lawyer hears the witness say, “I was really nervous…,” they might jump in with, “Nervous, yes, and how did that change your answer?”
Such a response shows that they’re listening with curiosity, not simply waiting for their turn to speak. Similarly, if someone tells you that they’re overwhelmed with work, you could interrupt with:
- “Overwhelmed, that’s quite common these days.”
- “Overwhelmed, yes, that sounds tough.”
- “When you say overwhelmed, do you mean juggling too many tasks?”
In your next conversation, listen closely for a standout word or phrase. Begin your sentence with it and take it politely from there.
Use Humor When Appropriate
Sometimes, all that the conversation needs is a lighthearted touch of humor. Adding humor can soften your interruption and may even make it more welcome.
It’s not always about cracking a joke or drawing out a laugh from your listeners. It could be as simple as using a cheerful phrase to show that you’re not trying to dominate the conversation.
Humor reduces the tension and makes you sound more approachable and engaged. It could be especially useful when:
- The conversation is moving too quickly.
- You’re nervous but want to speak up.
- You are in the presence of friends or classmates.
- The tone of the conversation is light and informal.
A 2024 study found that humor when used appropriately by workplace leaders, can be a powerful tool. It can empower employees and improve job performance.
Imagine a restaurant manager stepping into a busy kitchen to remind the chef about plating a meal. Instead of bluntly stating that the steak order is late, the manager can use humor. They may jokingly say, “Pardon the interruption, but the steak’s so eager, it’s starting to talk back!”
You can also use similar lighthearted humor in low-pressure settings. Avoid it in serious, emotional conversations or high-pressure settings like interviews. As you try this next time in a relaxed environment, pause, and make your point with a friendly phrase or light joke.
English is not merely a tool for worldwide communication. It’s a beautiful language, conveyed best using nuance, proper timing, and confidence.
Interruptions will be a huge part of your life, especially in fast-paced settings. The only way to build stronger relationships is to learn the art of polite interruption.
Apply the tips discussed in this article, but do so after careful practice. You will not only gain confidence but also participate in an intricate dance of human dialogue. That is truly one of the most beautiful aspects of language learning.