Interruptions are often seen as rude or inappropriate, especially in professional settings. But as this enlightening episode explains, there's more to interrupting than meets the eye! When done correctly, an interruption can be a valuable tool that helps to clarify, correct, or enhance a conversation. Here's what busy non-native business English professionals can learn:

 

1. When to Interrupt
 

Interruptions can be useful when the speaker makes a misleading statement, in time-sensitive situations, or when adding clarity or value to a conversation. The key is to ensure the interruption is well-intentioned and beneficial to the dialogue.


 

2. How to Interrupt: A Guide

• Timing: Wait for the right moment like a pause in conversation.
   
• Body Language: Signal your intent through eye contact or a subtle hand raise.
   
• Be Brief: Keep it short and to the point.
   
• Apologize: Start with "I'm sorry to interrupt..." to soften the interruption.
   
• Tone of Voice: Maintain a respectful tone.
   
• Give Credit: Acknowledge the speaker's contribution.
   
• Cultural Awareness: Different cultures may have different norms; adapt accordingly.
   
• Avoid Talking Over: Speaking over someone is generally seen as rude, particularly in Business English.
  
   

3. Professional Phrases for Interruption
 

Some useful examples include:

• "Excuse me for a moment, but..."
   
• "Could I quickly add something?"
   
• "May I just jump in here for a second?"
  
   

4. Handling Being Interrupted
 

Responding to interruptions requires grace and tact. Whether allowing or discouraging the interruption, it's essential to know what to say:

• Allowing: “Sure, go ahead.” “That's an interesting point, please elaborate.”
   
• Discouraging: “Could you please hold that thought until I finish my point?” “I understand your eagerness, but let's address that after the meeting.”
  
   

5. Reasons Behind Allowing or Discouraging Interruptions
 

Weighing the reasons can help decide whether to allow or discourage an interruption. Allowing interruptions can foster collaboration, while discouraging them can maintain focus.


 

Conclusion
 

Learning to interrupt politely and deal with interruptions is not just about etiquette. It's a strategic skill that can enhance communication and collaboration in a business environment. Understanding the nuances of when, how, and why to interrupt can create a more engaging and respectful dialogue.

 

If you found this summary intriguing, there's even more to learn in the full podcast episode! Subscribe to a BEP Premium membership for complete access to this and other insightful topics.

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