In fast meetings, waiting for a perfect gap means never speaking. Interrupting politely is a necessary skill — and there's a graceful way to do it. Here are the phrases that let you take the floor without being rude.
Phrases that open a gap
'Can I jump in here?' 'Just to add to that —' 'Before we move on, I want to say —' These signal you're entering respectfully and let you claim the floor without stepping on toes.
Use their name and their point
'Building on what Sara said —' links your interruption to the flow, so it feels collaborative rather than disruptive. Acknowledging the last speaker earns you the floor gracefully.
Then hold it
Frequently asked questions
How do I interrupt politely in a meeting?
Use phrases like 'Can I jump in here?' or 'Building on what Sara said,' then make your point clearly.
Isn't interrupting rude?
Not when done gracefully — in fast meetings, polite interruption is necessary to be heard.
How do I make an interruption feel collaborative?
Acknowledge the last speaker and link your point to theirs.
How do I practice this?
Rehearse in real meetings with feedback. Book a free 30-minute class.
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