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Know-it-alls are those individuals who believe (or have to be) an expert on literally EVERY topic. They find it difficult to let others take the spotlight even when the evidence suggests they’d be better off doing so. <\/strong><\/p>\n

In this article, we’ve got some witty comebacks along with some genuinely helpful suggestions to aid you in your plight of dealing with these types of people, but first, what is the ‘Know-it-all?’<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Know-it-all is a type of human who expresses their self-designated belief of superiority through controlling conversations, offering some much-needed unsolicited advice, acting in a deliberate contrarian manner, and behaving far above their assigned authority.<\/p>\n

Know-it-alls can be hard to be around because they can be condescending, deliberately challenging, and quick to waste their time and energy (and sometimes your too) in pointless debates.<\/p>\n

What’s important to understand about Know-it-alls is that they’re usually covering up one or two things; one, a serious case of low self-esteem and\/or two, a ridiculously inflated ego (these could potentially be manifestations of a larger issue such as mental disorders).<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you think about it, why else would they need to try so hard to prove how superior they are to others? Then there are some Know-it-alls who are going through a phase (usually developmental) – these are the kids and young adults who’ve had their first taste of freedom and now find it difficult to receive any further input from others (this with time and experience, usually subsides).<\/p>\n

We all know that being a know-it-all is ultimately self-sabotaging. Eventually, you’ll grate on others to the point where they’ll actively tune you out (or you’ll end up looking very silly). So, how do we deal with the Know-it-all?<\/p>\n

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Recommended Ways to Deal with Know-it-alls:<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n
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Resist the urge to take it personally and or argue;<\/strong> retaliation is a waste of your time and energy as their behavior has to do with their<\/strong> underlying issues – not yours.<\/li>\n
(If you can bear it) give credit where it is due.<\/strong> Not only will this make you the bigger person, but Know-it-alls also crave attention and praise. You don’t have to feed the beast, but you can express genuine gratitude at the things they do know well – (whilst resisting the put on the patronizing tone you use when talking to a child).<\/li>\n
In the same breath, make sure others have the room to speak.<\/strong> Do not allow yourself and others to be smothered, falsely criticized, humiliated, or abused. Unless you’re a hired professional, it is not your responsibility to ‘fix’ people therefore, do not compromise your own sanity for the sake of someone else’s<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
Be the person you wish you were. Maintain a level of understanding and compassion. Know-it-alls are trying their best. Practice your patience, think happy thoughts… think zen.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n
Protect your own mind.<\/strong> It might help you to understand the underlying issues of the Know-it-all. If you’re coming from a place of understanding you’re likely to see the behavior for what it is, thus protecting your own stress\/anger levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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Response 1 | A Friendly Reminder for A Not-so-friendly Personality (Best for Office Know-it-alls)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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You are really appreciated for all your knowledge and the hard work you do around here. However some of the other members of the team have told me they\u2019re reluctant to speak up because you are instantly dismissive or rude about their opinions. Unfortunately I have seen this behavior first-hand myself. I know you have strong feelings about how we should should do things around here, however I need everyone to feel as though their input is valid. I need other people to be able to speak at the meetings as this is what I’ve hired them to do. I ask that you hold your opinions until the end or when requested. Thank you.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is a polite reminder that you are the person who makes the final decisions.<\/p>\n
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Response 2 | Knowing Everything Isn’t Possible<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Did you know that the mere fact that we are humans in a Universe means that that we cannot literally \u2018know\u2019 anything outside the mere experiential fact that we exist? There is no such thing as absolute information or knowledge in truth, what we believe to be truth is simply\u00a0speculation and opinion…<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Okay so this one is petty, but how do you out-witt somebody who thinks they know everything? Remind them that there is no such thing as absolute truth – we’re all just going on our own perceptions.<\/p>\n
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Illustrations courtesy of <\/i>Shutterstock<\/strong>.<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
This article was originally published on <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>. If this article appears on any other site other than <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong> without clear referencing it is a violation of the copyright owned by <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/i><\/p>\n
This article may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <\/span><\/em>Never the Right Word is a participant in the Awin Affiliates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to participating merchants.<\/span><\/em>\u00a0For more information, please view our <\/span><\/em>Privacy Policy and Earnings Disclosure page.<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
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Response 3 | Sometimes Silence Says it All<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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This is actually how to show the Know-it-all how what it’s like to be around them. Remain silent whilst they’re talking and stare at them directly in the eyes whilst they speak. Then say:<\/p>\n
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That\u2019s fascinating, tell me more…<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Keep this up for a while and they’ll eventually realize you weren’t listening and that what they’re saying holds little value to you. If this doesn’t work, then you’ll need to walk away.<\/p>\n
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Response 4 | Opinions Are Not Facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Where did you get that information from? I’m not familiar with studies that demonstrate that. Can you tell me where I can read the published results?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This script calls attention to the need for supporting evidence (otherwise, it’s just an opinion) this gently nudges the Know-it-all into realizing that they were incorrectly stating opinion as fact. Scripts like this one can take the Know-it-all down a peg without being outrightly rude or critical.<\/p>\n
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Response 5 | Just Listing a Fact…<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Everything we hear is an opinion not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective not a truth.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Response 6 | Plain Old Passive Aggressive<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Since you know everything, then you know you\u2019re being extremely rude by talking over people when they’re trying to get their point across.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
It’s better to be informed instead of being opinionated wouldn’t you agree?<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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At Never the Right Word, our aim is to give you practical examples of how to handle life\u2019s difficult conversations. If you have an awkward situation that you\u2019d like example templates for, request a topic here<\/b><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in further reading, we\u2019ve also included links to our trusted resources and related posts below. To find out more\u00a0about NTRW<\/b><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0our\u00a0recommended tools<\/b><\/span><\/a>,<\/b> you can do that\u00a0here<\/b>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Lastly, if you found this content helpful or want to share your own examples, let us know in the comments. We\u2019d also be delighted if you shared this article and joined us on social media too!<\/p>\n
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