In a recent LinkedIn post, Florence Divet ☀️ discusses the significant impact of being interrupted in professional meetings, framing it not as a minor inconvenience but as a critical factor in how authority is perceived.
According to Florence Divet ☀️, interruptions do more than just cut off a sentence; they can disrupt reasoning, weaken presence, and even lead to ideas being claimed by others. This experience, often familiar to many capable professionals, can lead to a dilution or redirection of their contributions over time.
“Because when someone talks over you, they do not only cut your sentence short. They disrupt your reasoning. They weaken your presence. And sometimes, they walk away with your idea.”
The Undermining Effect of Interruption
Florence Divet ☀️ highlights the damaging long-term effects that frequent interruptions can have on an individual’s confidence, visibility, credibility, and influence. The post points out a common misconception: that the solution lies in speaking faster, pushing harder, interrupting back, or withdrawing altogether. Florence Divet ☀️ argues that these reactive strategies are often ineffective because the issue runs deeper than mere communication.
Beyond Communication: Presence and Boundaries
The core of Florence Divet ☀️’s argument is that handling interruptions is fundamentally about presence, boundaries, and influence, rather than just communication skills. The goal, as Florence Divet ☀️ explains, is not to dominate but to stop normalizing a dynamic where one’s voice is treated as optional.
“And how you respond matters. Not because you need to dominate the room. Because you need to stop normalising a dynamic where your voice is treated as optional.”
Strategic Responses to Interruption
Florence Divet ☀️ outlines a four-step approach, drawing inspiration from Mel Robbins, for effectively managing interruptions without escalating tension:
- Keep talking: Florence Divet ☀️ advises not to yield the floor too quickly. Continuing briefly and steadily signals that the speaker was not finished and their voice matters.
- Slow down: Contrary to the instinct to rush, Florence Divet ☀️ suggests slowing down as a powerful, composure-restoring move that can re-establish authority more effectively than speed.
- Use their name and set a clean boundary: This involves calm clarity, such as stating, “Alex, I’m going to finish my point first,” and then completing the thought. A follow-up like, “This is important, and I want to make sure the full point is heard,” can be used if more is needed.
- Invite them back in: After finishing the point, Florence Divet ☀️ recommends inviting the interrupter to share their view, such as “Alex, happy to hear your view now.” This demonstrates maturity and respect for contribution structure without shutting down dialogue.
“That is how you hold your ground without escalating the tension. Because the goal is to protect the integrity of your contribution while staying composed. That is leadership.”
Reading the Room: Influence and Leadership
Florence Divet ☀️ concludes by emphasizing that in meetings, observers are not just processing the content but also assessing dynamics of who holds and yields the floor. The key takeaway is that one doesn’t need to be louder to be heard, but rather ‘harder to override.’
“You do not need to become louder to be heard. You need to become harder to override.”
This advice, presented as a guide for professionals, underscores Florence Divet ☀️’s perspective on assertive communication and leadership presence.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Florence Divet ☀️ on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 20, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →