Aubrey Carter
"3 Keys IELTS Certified Coach"
Lindsay McMahon
"The English Adventurer"

Have you ever had to interrupt someone that was talking longer than they should in a meeting?

It’s vital that you do this in a way that does not offend or demean.

Today Lindsay and Aubrey share how to politely interrupt someone who is taking too much time in a meeting.

Meetings at work

Aubrey asks Lindsay if she has interrupted someone who is talking too long in a meeting.

Lindsay responds that recently she had a conversation online and needed to interrupt.

She felt awkward but sometimes it just has to be done.

Aubrey shares as well that she often has to jump in and cut people off.

She mentions it’s very American to interrupt.

Today’s episode was inspired by a listener’s question.

Today’s question

This listener wanted to understand a phrase used to interrupt.

Dear Lindsay,

Hope all is well.

Does the phrase “In the interest of expediency” have a positive or negative connotation?
There is a profound argument pertaining to its connotation between what dictionaries are hinting at (a negative connotation) vs what some natives online are saying that it has no negative connotation, but it has an efficient and prompt meaning.

I guess we have to confer with the experts here🙂. Appreciate your help as usual.

Also can you help place this idiom in right context “behind the eight ball “

Best regards,
Marwa Khafaga

Interrupting at work

Interrupting in the workplace can be different from culture to culture.

The phrase ‘in the interest of expediency’ in American culture is appropriate when you need to point out that you are short on time.

American business culture values saving time and being productive and efficient.

In other cultures, rushing and moving at a fast pace may not be as widely accepted.

Today we’ll dive into the phrase ‘in the interest of expediency.’

We’ll also share more vocabulary and expressions to politely interrupt someone at work.

This expression means an action or decision is being made in order to save time.

As mentioned, this depends on the context whether this might have a negative connotation or be offensive.

There are two ways you can use it.

#1: No negative connotation

If it’s for general time saving, there is no negative connotation.

This is a more formal-sounding expression used in formal situations like meetings, presentations, or interviews.

Example:

  • In the interest of expediency, let’s skip the next agenda item.
  • We only have 5 minutes. In the interest of expediency, let’s skip the Q&A.

There are also other ways to say the same thing:

  • In order to save time…
  • In order to be efficient with our time…
  • In order to make the most of the time we have…

#2: Implication of criticism

Changing the way you say this phrase and the timing of when you say it can have a negative effect.

It could have an implication of criticism to whomever is speaking.

Example:

  • Sorry to cut you off, but in the interest of expediency, let’s move on.

Here are alternative ways you can say this that aren’t as harsh as the above example:

  • Sorry to cut you off, but we are running short on time.
  • Thank you so much for all of that information. We need to move on to the next agenda item.

Roleplay

Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Aubrey using the tips shared in today’s episode.

In this scenario, Aubrey is presenting in a meeting that her coworker Lindsay is attending.

Aubrey: In the interest of expediency, I’ll skip these next two slides.
Lindsay: Actually, we only have 5 minutes. In order to make the most of the time we have left, let’s jump to the Q&A.

Behind the eight ball

Marwa mentioned the phrase ‘behind the eight ball’ in her question as well.

Another listener, Fabiana, asked about this recently and we discussed it in a previous episode.

Check out episode BE 235: Predicament or Pickle? Are You In a Tough Spot at Work? to learn more about the phrase ‘behind the eight ball’ and how to use it at work.

You’ll also learn other related phrases.

Takeaway

Saving time is a constant priority at work, especially in American business culture.

You need the vocabulary to show you’re valuing everyone’s time at work without needlessly offending coworkers.

Today’s tips will help you maintain connections at work and not be dismissive while being efficient on time.

What other phrases at work do you want to learn to use in English?

Drop one in the comments below and we might do a future episode on it.

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