If you do this, others won’t cut you off in the meeting

Have you ever started sharing an idea in a meeting, only to be cut off before you finished? It’s frustrating and discouraging, especially if it happens often.

Many women I work with in The Assertion Mastery have shared this same frustration with me and asked for guidance, so I created this newsletter.

Being interrupted in a meeting is common, particularly for women in STEM and other male-dominated fields.

The good news: you don’t have to stay silent. With a few simple strategies, you can hold the floor, earn respect, and make sure your points land.
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Why Interruptions Happen

Studies show women are interrupted more often than men. This isn’t about your idea being less valuable. Instead, it often comes from unconscious bias. The interrupter might not even realise they’re doing it.

But the outcome is the same: your voice gets drowned out. Stopping this pattern isn’t just about finishing your sentence — it’s about showing you belong in the conversation.
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The 3-Step Assertive Response Framework

When you get interrupted, try this three-step approach:
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1. Pause and Breathe

Take a breath before responding. This helps you stay calm and sound confident, not defensive.
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2. Reclaim the Floor

Use clear, direct phrases that are firm but respectful. For example:

• “I’d like to finish my point.”
• “Hold on, I wasn’t done yet.”
• “Let’s go back to what I was saying.”

These statements show you value your own input and expect others to value it too.
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3. Follow Up After the Meeting

Later, send a brief email summarising your idea. For example:

• “Earlier, I suggested [X] to address [Y]. Let me know if you’d like to discuss next steps.”

This ensures your idea stands out, even if it was briefly interrupted.
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What Sheryl Sandberg Taught Us

Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In, highlighted the power of allies. At Facebook, women supported each other by backing up each other’s ideas when someone got cut off. A colleague might say, “I’d like to hear Sarah complete her thought,” or “Let’s return to Sarah’s idea; it’s worth considering.”

You can create similar support networks at work. Talk to a teammate and agree to back each other up. This teamwork can make a big difference.
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Practice Makes Perfect

Overcoming interruptions gets easier with practice. Here’s a quick exercise:

1. Recall a meeting where you were interrupted.
2. Write down how you could have responded, using one of the phrases above.
3. Practice saying it out loud until it feels natural.

The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll be when it matters.
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Your Voice Matters

Speaking up isn’t just about being heard — it’s about showing your expertise and leadership. By staying calm, reclaiming the floor, and building a network of allies, you can ensure your voice is not just heard, but respected.

Try one of these techniques in your next meeting. Notice how the dynamic changes when you stand your ground.