Dealing with someone who steamrolls every conversation and bulldozes boundaries is exhausting. Dominating people love to control the room, interrupt, and make sure their voice is the loudest. But the good news is that you don’t have to sit there and take it. Speaking up for yourself doesn’t mean being aggressive—it’s about holding your ground with absolute confidence and calmness. Here are 15 assertive, no-nonsense ways to shut down a dominating person without losing your cool.
1. Call Out the Interruptions
If they keep cutting you off mid-sentence, stop and say, “Hold on, I wasn’t finished yet.” A simple, calm call-out puts them on notice. Dominating people rely on others backing down when they interrupt. By holding your ground and reclaiming the floor, you send a clear message that your voice matters, and you’re not going to let them silence it. No anger required—just a firm, assertive tone that says you’re not budging.
2. Use the Broken Record Technique
When they keep pushing their point or dismissing yours, stick to your position and calmly repeat it. “I understand what you’re saying, but I still feel this way.” Rinse and repeat. The broken record technique works because it forces them to realize you’re not giving in, no matter how much they push. Staying cool and consistent prevents them from steamrolling you into submission.
3. Set a Boundary and Stick to It
Dominating people test boundaries, so make yours crystal clear with them. “I’m happy to discuss this, but I won’t tolerate being shouted over.” When you communicate your limit calmly and confidently, it’s harder for them to dismiss it. The key is to always follow through. If they keep crossing the line, don’t engage. Sometimes the most powerful response is walking away when someone refuses to respect your space.
4. Speak Slower, Not Louder
It’s tempting to raise your voice to compete with theirs but slowing down your speech and keeping a steady tone works better. Dominating people thrive on chaos, so your calmness throws them off. It also forces them to listen more closely to what you’re saying. Assertiveness isn’t about volume, it’s about clarity. The quieter you are in your confidence, the more power your words carry.
5. Ask, “Why Do You Keep Saying That?”
When someone dominates by repeating their point over and over, call it out with a simple question: “Why do you keep saying that?” It’s disarming because it forces them to reflect on their bizarre behavior. Are they trying to win? Are they not listening? The question flips the spotlight back on them and it also disrupts their dominance without escalating the situation.
6. Redirect the Conversation
If they keep making everything about themselves or their agenda, take back control. “I’d like to hear what others think about this,” or “Let’s circle back to what we were originally discussing.” Dominating people rely on taking the reins, but a gentle redirection reminds them they’re not the only person in the room. It’s firm, polite, and shifts the focus without starting an argument.
7. Say “That’s Not Helpful” When They Overstep
When their comments cross into condescending or controlling territory, address it directly: “That’s not helpful,” or “I don’t appreciate being spoken to like that.” Keeping it short and clear makes it hard for them to argue back. You don’t need to justify your feelings or explain yourself—sometimes calling out the behavior is all it takes to shut it down.
8. Hold Eye Contact
Eye contact is your silent superpower. When someone is dominating the conversation, steady eye contact shows you’re not intimidated. You don’t need to match their energy—just hold your gaze and stay calm. It tells them you’re confident and not easily pushed around. Paired with a clear, assertive response, eye contact sends the message that you’re not backing down.
9. Ask Questions That Put Them on the Spot
“Why do you feel that’s the only solution?” or “What makes you so sure about that?” Questions force dominating people to stop and think instead of steamrolling forward. It’s a subtle way of regaining control and showing them you’re not just going to nod along. The right question can make them realize they’re not running the show as much as they thought.
10. Call Out Their Tactics Calmly
Sometimes the best way to shut someone down is to name what’s happening. “You keep interrupting me every time I talk,” or “It feels like you’re trying to control this conversation.” Naming the behavior takes away its power. Dominating people count on you staying silent and tolerating their tactics. When you call it out directly and calmly, they don’t know where to go from there.
11. Use “I” Statements to Hold Your Ground
Instead of pointing fingers, frame your stance with “I” statements. “I feel like I’m not being heard,” or “I need you to stop interrupting me.” It’s hard to argue with someone who’s calmly stating how they feel. This approach keeps things from escalating while still holding them accountable. Dominating people don’t expect you to speak up—doing so throws them off their game.
12. Pause and Let the Silence Speak
If they’re steamrolling the conversation, stop talking and let the silence settle in. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s the whole point of doing it. Most dominating people fill silence because they don’t like it, so use it to your advantage. Take a breath, hold your ground, and wait. Silence commands attention, and sometimes it’s all you need to remind them you’re not here to be walked over.
13. Ask for Input From Someone Else
Dominating people love making everything about them, so shine the spotlight somewhere else. “What do you think about this?” or “We haven’t heard from Sarah yet.” It’s an easy way to interrupt their power play without being confrontational. Including others in the conversation keeps them from monopolizing it. It’s also a way of showing them you’re not afraid to take control and steer things in a new direction.
14. End the Conversation if Necessary
Sometimes, the most assertive thing you can do is refuse to engage any further. “I don’t think this conversation is productive right now,” or “Let’s pick this up another time.” Walking away is not weakness—it’s choosing not to waste your energy where it won’t be respected. Dominating people thrive on getting a reaction. Taking yourself out of the situation is a quiet, powerful way of shutting them down.
15. Be Direct and Unapologetic
There’s nothing wrong with saying, “You’re being overbearing, and I need you to stop.” Dominating people push boundaries because they assume you won’t push back. Being direct doesn’t make you rude—it makes you someone who knows their worth. You don’t have to yell, explain, or soften it. A confident, firm statement lets them know you see what they’re doing, and you’re not here to play along.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.