Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 5: Handling Simple Interruptions

Speaking: Interactive Communication B1

Function: Handling Simple Interruptions

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use polite phrases to interrupt someone, handle an interruption, and get a conversation back on track.

Conversation Scenario: A Team Meeting 💬

In meetings or group discussions, it's sometimes necessary to interrupt to ask a question or add a key idea. Doing this politely is a very important communication skill.

Manager: ...so, the first step is to do market research. Then, we need to analyze the data, and after that, we...

You: Sorry to interrupt, but could I ask a quick question about the budget?

Manager: That's a good question. If I could just finish this point, I'll get to the budget next.

You: Of course. Sorry about that.

Manager: No problem. Anyway, as I was saying, after we analyze the data, we will create a report. Now, let's talk about the budget...

Your Interaction Toolkit 🔧

Here are the key phrases for managing interruptions in a conversation.

Interrupting Politely

• Sorry to interrupt, but...
• Excuse me, can I just say...
• If I could just jump in here...

Holding the Floor

• If I could just finish...
• Hold on one second.
• Let me just finish my point.

Getting Back on Track

• As I was saying...
• Anyway, where were we?
• To get back to what I was saying...

A Simple 3-Step Formula for Interrupting

Here is a safe, three-step formula for interrupting politely in most situations.

1. Apologize. Always start with a polite opening.
   "Excuse me for a second..."
2. Interrupt. Make your point or ask your question quickly and clearly.
   "...but I have an urgent phone call I need to take."
3. Return. If appropriate, hand the conversation back to the speaker.
   "Sorry about that. Please, continue."

Tips for Sounding Polite

💡 The Intonation of Interruptions

Your intonation is key to being polite when interrupting.

• When you interrupt, your voice should be soft and have a rising, questioning tone. It shows you feel bad for interrupting.
  Example: "Sorry to interrupt, but...? ↗"
• When you hold the floor, your voice should be polite but firm, with a falling intonation. It shows you want to finish your point.
  Example: "If I could just finish this point... ↘"

Practice Handling Interruptions 🎯

Activity 1: What's the Function?

Match the phrase to its primary function: A) Interrupting politely, B) Getting back on track, or C) Holding the floor.

1. As I was saying... (Answer: B)
2. Sorry to interrupt, but... (Answer: A)
3. If I could just finish my point... (Answer: C)

Activity 2: Role-Play Interruption

Work with a partner. Student A, you are telling a long story about your weekend. Student B, you must politely interrupt to ask an important question (e.g., "Sorry to interrupt, but what time is our class today?"). Practice handling the interruption politely.

Key Vocabulary

• Interrupt (Verb) | រំខាន / កាត់ចង្វាក់
  To stop someone from speaking by saying something yourself.
• Hold the floor (Phrase)
  To keep the right to speak when someone tries to interrupt you.
• Get back on track (Phrase)
  To return to the original topic after an interruption.

Your Communication Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is not to practice interrupting people!

Instead, your mission is to listen for interruptions in English media (movies, TV shows, meetings). Pay attention to the language people use. How do they interrupt? How do others react? Noticing these patterns is the first step to mastering this skill.