Speaking: Interactive Communication B2
Interrupting Politely & Holding the Floor
The Art of Polite Interruption 🤫
Interrupting isn't about being rude; it's about contributing to the conversation at the right moment. The key is to choose a phrase that matches the situation's formality.
Use when speaking to a superior or in a very formal setting.
"Excuse me, may I add something quickly?" "Before we move on, could I ask for a clarification?"Use in everyday meetings or group discussions with peers.
"Sorry to jump in, but..." "Can I just make a point here?"How to Hold the Floor (Keep Your Turn) 🗣️
If you are in the middle of a complex point and someone interrupts, you need a polite way to signal that you need more time to finish.
This is a collaborative technique that shows you are listening, too.
"That's an excellent point, and I'll get to that in just a second. I just wanted to finish by saying..."Clearly state that you need a moment more to finish your thought.
"If you'll just let me finish my thought..." "Please let me complete this point."Scenario: A Lively Team Debate 💬
Listen to this debate about a project deadline. Notice how the speakers interrupt but also hold their ground to make sure their points are fully explained.
Tips for Good Communication
💡 Reading the Room: Timing is Everything
Knowing when to interrupt is as important as knowing how. Pay attention to social cues.
- Good times to interrupt: When someone has been speaking for a very long time, to ask a quick clarifying question, or to get the conversation back on topic.
- Bad times to interrupt: When someone is sharing a personal story, in the middle of making a key point, or when your boss is giving instructions.
Test Your Skills 🎯
Practice Quiz: What's the Best Phrase?
1. You are explaining a complex process. A junior colleague interrupts with a question about the final step. How do you politely hold the floor?
A) "Please be quiet until I am finished."
B) "That's a great question. Let me just explain step two, and I promise we'll get to that right after."
C) "I don't know yet."
→ Answer: B. It validates their question while allowing you to maintain the logical structure of your explanation.
2. In a meeting, your colleague says, "Our sales increased by 15% last year." You know the correct number is 5%. What is the best way to interrupt?
A) "That's wrong."
B) "If I could just jump in, I think there might be a small correction on that figure. The report I have shows 5%."
C) Wait until the end of the meeting.
→ Answer: B. This is a polite, non-confrontational way to correct important information immediately.
Key Vocabulary
- Interrupt To stop a person from speaking by saying or doing something.
- Hold the floor To have the right to speak; to maintain one's turn to speak.
- Assertive Behaving confidently and not being afraid to state your opinions.
- Clarification An explanation that makes something easier to understand.
- Validate To recognize or show respect for another person's feelings or opinions.
Your Communication Mission ⭐
These skills can be intimidating to practice in a real, high-stakes meeting. The best way to build confidence is in a safe environment.
- Find a friend or classmate who is also practicing their English.
- Choose a fun topic to debate, like "Is it better to live in the city or the countryside?".
- Your Goal: During a 5-minute conversation, you must both try to interrupt politely at least once, and also try to hold the floor at least once.
Because you both know it's just for practice, it removes the fear and pressure. This helps build the "muscle memory" for when you need it in a real situation.