When Women Get Interrupted: How to Command a Listening Ear

You're in a meeting, making an important point, when a male colleague cuts you off mid-sentence. Or you're out with friends telling a story when a guy you don't even know jumps in to interrupt you. Sound familiar? If you're a woman, you've likely dealt with this annoying and disrespectful experience more times than you can count. But you don't have to just sit there and take it. Here are proven techniques to command the respect you deserve so others actually listen when you speak. 

Why Women Get Cut Off More Than Men

Women face an uphill battle to be heard in conversations and meetings. Studies show that women get interrupted significantly more often than men. This is largely due to unconscious bias—the stereotype that perceives men as more competent and authoritative. This bias causes men and women to interrupt women more frequently without even realizing it.

Being interrupted sends the message that what you're saying isn't important or valued. For women, this compounds the effects of systemic discrimination and underrepresentation in leadership roles. The result is that women's voices and contributions often go unheard and unacknowledged.

Speaking Up Without Being Pushy: Verbal Tools to Regain the Floor

Here are some tips to help you out.

"Excuse Me, I Wasn't Finished."

Politely stating, "Excuse me, I wasn't finished", or "As I was saying," cues the interrupter that you still have more to contribute and redirects attention back to you. Your tone should be courteous yet firm. This simple phrase, followed by restating your key point, can effectively regain control of the discussion. Make eye contact and speak clearly and confidently about your ideas. Your body language and tone can help convey your authority and competence.

Repeat Your Point

Don't be afraid to reiterate your point after being interrupted. Say something like, "To reiterate, the key issue here is..." or "Let me repeat the main takeaway..." Repeating your message, possibly in a slightly different way, ensures your idea is heard and given proper consideration. People may not even realize they cut you off, so a gentle reminder can make them apologetic for interrupting you in the first place.

Speak Clearly And With Conviction.

Having something important to say is only part of the equation. You need to articulate it well. Speak clearly by pronouncing your words fully and varying your tone. A steady, even tone conveys composure, while a wavering, unsure tone undermines your authority. Say what you mean with conviction and sincerity. Others will sense your passion and be more inclined to listen.

Body Language Hacks To Project Confidence And Authority

Eye contact is key. When someone interrupts you, maintain steady eye contact to signal you’re not done speaking yet. 

Stand Up Straight And Square Your Shoulders.

Good posture projects confidence and authority. Roll your shoulders back and stand up straight with your head held high. This open, expansive stance makes you appear self-assured and not easily dismissed. On the other hand, crossed arms or hunched shoulders make you seem closed off or lacking confidence in what you have to say. Lean in slightly, which takes up more conversational space and conveys you have more to say.

Use Hand Gestures

Use hand gestures to engage your audience, but keep them purposeful and restrained. Wild or flailing hand movements seem out of control and chip away at your credibility. Instead, use targeted gestures like palms raised to signal “let me finish” or an index finger pointed up to punctuate crucial ideas.

While constantly being interrupted is frustrating, you can turn rude interruptions into respectful attention with a few simple techniques. Stay confident, be direct, and don't be afraid to call out inappropriate behavior. Women’s therapy can also be a powerful tool for you. Contact us today.