In psychology, there is a simple key to setting your limits, stopping the lack of respect and regaining control of the exchange without appearing aggressive.
There’s nothing more annoying than someone who cuts you off when you’re talking. Beyond the annoyance, it is a real psychological intrusion. Whether in a meeting, during a dinner with friends, a family reunion or in a couple’s discussion, this behavior is often experienced as a blatant lack of consideration. However, suffering in silence is not an obligation. Psychologists believe that there are simple phrases to set your limits, defuse the situation, stop the lack of respect and regain control of the exchange without appearing aggressive or losing the thread of the conversation. Which ones?
Even before opening your mouth, the body sends a signal. According to Yves Gautier, assertiveness coach at work and in personal life, non-verbal communication is the first defense against chronic interruptions. To command respect, it is crucial to maintain sustained eye contact and adopt an open but firm posture. “If someone tries to intrude on your sentence, avoid looking down or backing away. On the contrary, a slight gesture of the hand (the discreet “stop”) or simply continuing to speak for another second with a confident tone of voice is often enough to signal that your speaking space is not yet free.“, he says in one of his videos.
But if the other person insists and continues to interrupt, you need to take it to the next level. The unstoppable sentence recommended by specialists is the following: “Excuse me for interrupting you while I’m speaking“. This formula is relevant because it uses a powerful psychological mechanism: benevolent irony. By using the verb “interrupt” on your own account when it is the other who does it, you underline the absurdity of the situation. It is an elegant way of holding a mirror up to the behavior of your interlocutor. You are not attacking him head-on, you are simply describing a technical fact, which forces the other to stop by pure social reflex.
Generally speaking, if you want to avoid being cut off, there are a few rules to follow. The form matters as much as the substance. It is first essential to remain calm: by showing irritation, you let the other person gain the upper hand, while neutrality remains your best ally in maintaining control. Furthermore, always favor the use of “I” by saying for example “I would like to finish my reasoning” rather than “you interrupt me all the time”, which prevents your interlocutor from feeling accused and becoming angry unnecessarily.
Finally, be sure to keep your interventions concise, as brevity helps maintain attention and reduces opportunities for interruption. By confidently applying these methods, you don’t just finish your sentence: you sustainably educate those around you (friends, family, colleagues) about how you demand to be treated.
