What to say when someone interrupts you in a meeting

Short answer: say “I'd like to finish my thought, then I want to hear yours.”

DON'T SAY
“Sorry, you go ahead.”
after being interrupted
SAY THIS
“I'd like to finish my thought, then I want to hear yours.”
It holds your place politely without turning it into a contest.

When to use it

Use it when someone talks over you before you've finished an important point. It keeps your turn without scolding the other person, and the second half signals you genuinely want their input. Say it calmly and at a normal volume; the words do the work.

Example

You: “The main risk with the timeline is—”

Colleague: “Actually, I think the bigger issue is budget.”

You: “I'd like to finish my thought, then I want to hear yours. The risk is the holiday freeze.”

In an email or Slack message

If it happens often, raise it privately afterward: “In today's meeting I didn't get to finish my point on the timeline. Can I send it to the group?” Then send it, so your point still lands.

Quick drill

When you have a suggestion and the discussion is going in circles.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

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25 phrases that make you sound confident at work

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