Search Helium

Home > Relationships & Family > Communication > Interpersonal Communication > Dealing with Problem People

Ways to communicate with a know-it-all

by Allisha Brizant

Created on: June 07, 2010   Last Updated: June 08, 2010

You know after reading most of the articles on here referring to Know-it-all I agree with a lot of points made.  But the one thing that I don't agree with is how almost everyone is giving advice on how to deal with them, which is to not go toe to toe with them or politely side-step them and make them feel as though they have center stage.  I don't agree with this approach at all!  This approach is actually feeding their ego's and narcissistic behavior. 

Why should we walk on egg-shells around these folks?  Simply shut them down and straight up tell them that they don't know everything, that they are not God, and no one is perfect and knows EVERYTHING.  I mean come on?!

We all know that something is obviously wrong with these folks and they are most likely very insecure, controlling, afraid to lose control for fear of being found out OR they have some really big skeleton in their closets that they don't want people seeing or finding out.  So in turn they become dictatorial and know everything. 

Honestly, simply tell these people to shut up and that they don't know everything and walk away or hang up the phone.  After that is done...they will get the message.  Not everyone is trying to hear them.  I've also found that if you don't give them reassurance like uh-huh, while you're conversing with them, they'll start to doubt themselves and repeat themselves because they're not sure if you are feeling them or not...thus losing control. 

These people are actually quite juvenile and sensitive, and in my opinion can be quickly put in their respective place.  A truly intelligent person not only speaks on what they know, but they listen!  If someone wants to talk talk talk and not listen, something is dreadfully wrong. 

So why give them the floor if they're not willing to give it to you?  Or better yet, you have to play a game of battleship in order to get the floor?  Come on folks, it's not that serious. 

I have a friend that does this, they actually LIVE to have the floor.  Any opportunity this person gets to be viewed as a scholar they take and run with it.  And you know what's funny?  Out of the 20 or so people that's in the room, they will zero in on that one person that they know wasn't feeling them.  Why is that? 

I mean you are giving a lecture to your pupils right?  If you are enthralled in a sermon, so to speak, how is it you have the time to pick out who you know wasn't really feeling you?  I think that's odd, and a weird type of self-centerdness.  Who are these people to think that everyone has to feel them and take their words as golden?  Why?  Because they have a degree of some sort? 

I tell you one thing, it takes a whole lot more than just having a loud voice and your finger pointing for me to feel someone, really it does.  I'm the type where I feel I can learn something not only from a scholar, but maybe even a homeless person or even a crack head, who once was on top of their game. 

Everyone has a story...so no one else's story is more important than another person's.  It's really quite simple.  The funny thing is this friend of mine who is this way has a LOT of skeletons in their closet, because they tell me everything and that is why this person acts the way they do.  They can't lose control...but in reality they are OUT OF CONTROL.

Learn more about this author, Allisha Brizant.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Is it always easy to treat others as you wish to be treated?

Click for your side.

125283

Featured Partner

ICED

Breakthrough has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Breakthrough's featured titles, pick an issue and write! You can also donate your article earnings. Share what you know, learn new ...more


CONNECT WITH US

Read
our blog
Helum for writers

Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills

Join our active writing community
Helium Content Source for Publishers

Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all

Get custom content today!

INFORMATION


Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA
#