How to Stop Being Interrupted at Work (Without Losing Your Voice)

 

 

Ask Emma: “What do I do when I keep getting interrupted at work?”

I feel like I can’t finish a sentence in meetings. People jump in, talk over me, or move the conversation on before I’ve landed my point. I don’t want to sound rude or defensive – but it’s starting to knock my confidence. What’s the best way to handle this?

 

 

 

Serlin™ Solution: How to Handle Interruptions with Confidence and Presence

Being interrupted at work – spoken over, talked over – can be deeply triggering. Especially when it happens repeatedly. Over time, it can chip away at your confidence and pull you into an emotional swirl of frustration, resentment, or self-doubt.

 

For many people, it can even trigger imposter syndrome. Thoughts like “Maybe I’ve got nothing to say,” or “Maybe they’re right to talk over me,” start to creep in. And when that happens, it’s easy to either shrink back – or react in a way that doesn’t feel like you.

 

Here’s the important thing to know: being interrupted in meetings is one of the most common communication challenges at work, and it’s rarely a reflection of your value or the quality of your ideas.

 

In fast-moving conversations, people often think out loud or jump in because they’re eager to contribute. That doesn’t mean it feels good – but it does change how helpful it is to respond with force, frustration, or silence.

 

The real goal isn’t to talk louder or dominate the room.
It’s to hold your space calmly and confidently – so your voice lands without you needing to raise it.

 

That’s where one of the core tools we teach for navigating conflict at work comes in: ARTful Interruptions.

 

 

The ARTful Interruptions Mindset

This is where one of the core Serlin Method™ tools comes in: ARTful Interruptions.

Before we even get to what to say, it starts with how you think.

When someone interrupts you, the first step isn’t to respond outwardly – it’s to pause inwardly. To gently move that emotional swirl out of the way.

Here’s a powerful mindset shift to help with that.

Imagine the person who interrupted you is an artist.
Just like you.

Everyone in the room is an artist – with their own idea, their own expression, their own piece of art they’re excited to share. In meetings, you’re not just exchanging information; you’re co-creating something together.

So when someone jumps in, instead of being pulled into resentment or insecurity, you can shift to:
“They’re just really excited about their art.”

And that’s actually kind of wonderful.

Because you’re an artist too – a working artist – and you’re in the middle of sharing your piece.

From this place, the response changes.

 

 

 

How ARTful Interruptions Works in Practice

ARTful Interruptions gives you a clear, respectful way to respond when you’re interrupted at work:

• Anchor yourself by pausing and steadying your emotional response

• Recognise the other person’s enthusiasm or contribution

• Turn back to your idea so you can finish your thought

From this grounded place, you can appreciate their enthusiasm and honour your own voice at the same time.

 

You might say:

“I really want to hear your idea – it sounds exciting.
And I’d love to just finish this thought first.”

That thought is your art.
And you’re allowed to finish it.

This isn’t about dismissing anyone or shutting them down. It’s about appreciating others while standing tall in your own value. When you lead with appreciation, the dynamic shifts – from “They’re rude” or “I feel small” to “They’re an artist, they’re enthusiastic, and I can honour my own expression too.”

 

You’re not shaming. You’re not belittling.
You’re simply claiming the right to your contribution.

 

And that – even at work – matters.

 

 

 

How to Practise ARTful Interruptions at Work

The next time you’re interrupted in a meeting or conversation, try this:

• Pause and anchor yourself with a breath

• Reframe the interruption as enthusiasm, not rejection

• Turn back and finish your thought clearly

The shift is subtle but powerful. Over time, ARTful Interruptions helps you stop being interrupted at work – not by pushing harder, but by holding your space with presence, confidence, and clarity.

 

If you’d like to learn more tools like this – and practise them in real-life situations – you can book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with us to explore how the Serlin Method™ can support your communication goals.

 

 

 

Ask Emma at the Communication Clinic

This question comes from Ask Emma at the Communication Clinic – a space where real communication challenges are explored and met with practical Serlin™ Solutions. If you’re navigating a communication challenge – whether it’s interruptions, difficult dynamics, sensitive conversations, or moments where you want to express yourself more clearly and confidently – you’re warmly invited to submit a question here. Selected questions may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

 

And if these situations are starting to affect how you show up at work, our Navigating Conflict course is designed to help. This course focuses on developing the language, tools and presence needed to handle difficult interactions with clarity and confidence without losing calm or voice.