I KNOW! I KNOW! It sounds difficult, but it's not. The only reason that it looks like an impossible task is because the word 'interrupt' comes with a negative connotation, but not anymore. If you live in Delhi then there is a very slim chance that you haven't traveled in our beloved Delhi metro and if you have, then you have definitely suffered the misery of being in a jam-packed one. A few days ago, while I was in one such train, I couldn't help but overhear (along with many fellow commuters) this sweet little chatterbox telling her friend about her new job, marriage plans, life goals and what not. It was only after a good 20 minutes that this friend HAD TO ask the "chatterbox" (and quite rudely) to STOP TALKING! In the end, the poor friend came out as an impolite person which, according to me, was quite unfair. The reason behind sharing this little anecdote is to bring your attention to the fact that while we are in a conversation, at times, it becomes very important to interrupt someone. It might appear as an inappropriate thing to do, but if done correctly, you will never come out as a rude person.

THE NEED TO INTERRUPT

There could be many occasions where you feel the need to interrupt someone such as:

• The speaker is talking way too much.
• To correct someone.
• When the speaker has gone off the topic.
• To give your opinion or to make a suggestion.
• When it's someone else's turn to talk.
• To take part in an ongoing conversation.

Before we take it further, we need to put this in our heads that IT'S OKAY TO INTERRUPT AND IT COULD BE DONE POLITELY. You don't have to feel bad, be nervous or hesitate while doing so. As long as you do it politely, you may and you should interject. Following are some general phrases that might come handy in almost all situations:

• Can I just say something here?
• Before you go on, I’d like to say something.
• Excuse me for butting in but…..
• Sorry for interrupting but….
• I don't mean to intrude...
• Pardon me...

INTERRUPTING IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS

IN A FORMAL MEETING Here you have to interject in the most polite manner as you could be dealing with your seniors, colleagues, important clients, and even your bosses. Meetings are nothing but discussions and most of the time, you are required to put forth your ideas and that can be done in these ways:

• While that is an important point, it's also important to add...
• Before we move on to the next point, may I add...?
• May I just add something here?
• I see your point, but there is another aspect to it...

IN A GROUP DISCUSSION These are comparatively informal in nature. Group discussions could be held or they could just start impromptu. When in a discussion, you need to give ideas, contradict someone (if required), correct the incorrect facts, etc. and to do all of that without being rude, following phrases could be used:

• If I could just come in here. I think….
• Can I stop you there for a moment?
• Do you mind if I jump in here?
• I'm sorry but your facts are not completely correct.

IN A CASUAL CONVERSATION You can be (and you should be) polite even if you are in conversation with your friends and family. Try these phrases

• Sorry I didn't catch that last part.
• Sorry to interrupt but can I just tell you something?
• Sorry if I'm being rude but.....
• Excuse me for a sec. I'll keep this brief,...

Knowing when and how to interrupt is essential if you want others to see you as a polite person.Keep in mind the following things before you decide to interrupt someone:

• Have a specific purpose. Whether you are jumping into other people's conversation, it's important that you do it with a valid reason and not just for the sake of it.
• Use proper timing. The best time to interrupt is when the speaker stops to catch a breath before speaking up again.
• Use a gesture. If your interruption isn't acknowledged, lift a hand or use eye contact to get the person's attention. Never hover.
• Clear your throat.  A mild throat clearing gesture will turn the heads in your direction. Take advantage of it to say whatever you need to say.
• Thank the others for allowing you to interrupt. After you say what's on your mind, show your gratitude for the others allowing you to speak.

In order to be polite, you might want to steer clear of these IMPOLITE WAYS TO INTERRUPT:

• Wait a minute!!
• What was that?
• Now it's my turn to talk...
• What are you talking about?

Now, what happens if you are on the receiving end of someone else's polite interruption? Well, in that case, you take it with equal grace and politeness. HOW TO RESPOND TO A POLITE INTERRUPTION: Let's understand this in the form of a conversation. A: Can I just mention something here? B: Yes, please go ahead. A: I see your point, but there are other aspects to it. B: Of course there are but let me come back to that later. A: Sorry but could you please repeat that last part? B: Certainly. RESPONSE TO AN IMPOLITE OR A CONSTANT INTERRUPTION You will always find some people( especially those who haven't read this blog ? ) who interrupt either constantly or in a 'not-so-polite' manner and here's how to deal with them:

• Could you let me finish first? Thank you!
• I value your suggestion but please let me complete.
• That's a good point and we can discuss that later.
• Do you mind if I finish first?

What if responding politely doesn't work? In such a scenario, do not hesitate from using these phrases:

• Will you let me speak?
• Can’t you be quiet for a moment?
• Will you just shut up for a minute, please?
• Can't you wait for your own turn to speak?

See, being polite is quite EASY-BREEZY. To learn more about better communication skills, download our app Namaste English.