Workshop Purposeful Interrupting

Do you let someone go on and on, or do you interrupt them? And if you do — when does that interruption become rude?

Most people think interrupting is inherently impolite. But when done with purpose and care, it's a gift.

We've all been in situations where a discussion gets derailed, one voice dominates while others stay silent, or valuable ideas get lost in the noise. Being able to interrupt without upsetting people is a skill anyone can learn — and like a muscle, it can be trained.

Why interrupt on purpose?

To make space for quiet voices and diverse perspectives. To redirect attention towards a valuable idea before it slips away. To pause the flow and help a group see the bigger picture.

The key is doing it in a way that leaves the person being interrupted feeling respected and heard. And not shut down or made wrong. In Systemic Modelling, we call this stance "Accept and Extend": staying connected and gently guiding attention where it's needed most.

What you'll do in this workshop

In 2 hours, you'll discover the different skills involved in purposeful interrupting and practise applying them. Give it a few tries and get instant feedback from your peers: what do they see, hear, sense and feel when you interrupt them? What's happening for the person being interrupted? You'll find out what works for you as the interrupter — and what works for the ones you're interrupting.

This is a practical, hands-on session. Theory meets real-life experience in a setting designed for learning by doing.

Practical information

This is a paid workshop in English. Click on the tickets button to book your place.

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