Being talked over is a frustrating experience, and it’s a situation that many of us face, especially women, in both professional and personal settings. It can feel disempowering and disrespectful. However, there are effective strategies you can use to assert your voice and ensure your contributions are heard and valued.
1. Stay Calm and Collected
The first step is to stay calm. Reacting emotionally can escalate the situation and may be used against you. Take a deep breath, maintain your composure, and prepare to assert yourself confidently.
2. Use Polite Interruptions
If someone interrupts you, it’s appropriate to politely interject. You can say something like, “Excuse me, I hadn’t finished speaking,” or “Just a moment, I’d like to complete my point.” This signals that you value your contribution and expect others to do the same.
3. Reclaim the Floor
Once you have interrupted politely, continue with your point. You might say, “As I was saying…” and summarize your previous comments before moving forward. This helps to refocus the conversation and ensures your view is heard.
4. Leverage Ally Support
In meetings, allies can play a crucial role. Discuss the issue beforehand with supportive colleagues and ask them to support you. They can intervene when you’re interrupted, saying, “I’d like to hear what [Your Name] was saying,” to bring the focus back to you.
5. Non-Verbal Behaviour
Non-verbal communication can be powerful. Maintain eye contact and use hand gestures to indicate you’re not finished. These cues can assert your presence without needing to say a word.
6. Follow Up After the Meeting
If the issue persists, follow up with the interrupter after the meeting. Address the behavior directly but professionally, explaining how it affects your ability to contribute. This can raise awareness and potentially change future interactions.
7. Document Patterns
If being talked over is a recurring problem, document instances and patterns. This can be useful if you need to address the issue with a higher authority, such as HR or a supervisor. Having a record of specific incidents provides a clear basis for your concerns.
Finally, Being talked over can be challenging, but it’s essential to stand your ground. By staying calm, using polite interruptions, leveraging ally support, and maintaining confident body language, you can ensure your voice is heard. Remember, your contributions are valuable, and you deserve to be listened to and respected.
