It’s frustrating when you’re making a point in a meeting and someone interrupts. Your co-workers may not even realize they’re doing it. Maybe they’re not paying attention or they just want to jump in and say something. Whatever the reason, being talked over can silence good ideas and make it easier for your expertise to get overlooked.

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If you get talked over repeatedly, it can start to change how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself, according to executive coach and bestselling author, Joel Garfinkle. He believes that interruptions aren’t random but that they reflect power dynamics. Whether they’re intentional or not, interruptions signal that your voice isn’t as important as others. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Garfinkle’s ideas on what you can do if you keep getting talked over in team discussions.

  1. Interrupt back politely but firmly. It’s not about being louder or combative — it’s about being intentional. Garfinkle says you shouldn’t automatically step aside if someone interrupts you. Instead, you should use a calm interjection like, “Hold on, I want to complete this point.” The wording isn’t as important as your willingness to confidently reenter the conversation. That’s a leadership move.

  2. Don’t stop talking. Many people miss this dynamic, he says. When two people talk at the same time, the person who keeps going usually keeps the floor. Most interrupters expect you to stop. When you do not, Garfinkle says they often back off quickly. Instead of yielding, continue your sentence. Maintain your pace. Hold your ground. It may feel uncomfortable, he says, but it is one of the fastest ways to reset how others interact with you.

  3. Claim your airtime before the meeting starts. You shouldn’t wait for a gap in the discussion. Get your time by explicitly requesting it. You could say, “I would like to add a quick update on this topic” or “Can we carve out a few minutes for this discussion?”

  4. Use short, direct language to hold the floor. When someone talks over you, Garfinkle says you do not need a long explanation. You need a short, clear statement that redirects the conversation back to you. Use phrases like, “Hang on, let me finish” or “Please allow me to complete my thought.”

It may not bother you much if someone interjects their thoughts while you’re speaking. Keep in mind, though, that repeated interruptions can chip away at your influence. Reclaim your space by following the tips above, like firmly interrupting them back and continuing to talk. Being heard is part of being effective, whether you’re a junior sales rep or a seasoned pro.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Joel Garfinkle is an executive coach and the author of 11 books. His video library offers more than 200 actionable video clips.