Try not to be rushed when training someone to learn a new task. December 09, 2006 / Scott Meyer This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. unlocking this expert answer. This is how you do it," say, "This is really good. Let’s talk about those colleagues. I’m happy to assist!”. ", "Just read it and understood my problems to fix! But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Try this: “Thanks so much for being so open to my feedback. But, do you think bringing them in a little later could help to streamline the process?”. Walk away and find someone who talks to you with respect. But, at the same time, you don’t want to come off as arrogant and condescending. Try this: “I see here that you’re planning on involving Team A right from the start. ." Put these strategies into play, and you’re sure to get your point across in a way that’s helpful and friendly—without needing to worry about a crying co-worker in the conference room. Being Condescending without Intending to. 4. Practice active listening by maintaining eye contact with the speaker, nodding occasionally, and asking clarifying questions once the speaker is done. This article has been viewed 515,308 times. "I cannot believe I'm emulating some of these characteristics, if I may call it that. However, by remembering to put others first, practicing humility, and monitoring your body language, you can overcome any kind of behavior that seems condescending. Say hi on Twitter, Actionable Steps to Fight Workplace Racism. How can I stop being defensive and condescending in my new relationship? They were always there to cheer me up when my motivation was low.”, For example, "That's an interesting point. Any course of action you take will affect your relationship with your boss and possibly your career. Obviously, you don’t want to yell or scream. Also, try not to emphasize the my’s and I’s in your speech, for example, “MY opinion, is that MY book is the better book.”. Follow the tips above and help them understand your value and how you want to … Condescending behavior is not illegal in and of itself. As we’ve written before, sometimes the best … It helped to take the correction down a couple of notches, from seemingly bossy to friendly and helpful, didn’t it? ", as well as to do a self evaluation to work on being a better person. You should also speak at a normal pace rather than slowing your speech, which is what adults do when they speak to children. I will share it with my daughter who is a condescending person. The mindset you approach the interaction with will be conveyed in your tone of voice and body language. Take time to give your supporters the credit they deserve. Here's how I would do it.". Men say it about their wives a lot (but never the other way around). The way we correct someone often determines whether we come off as condescending or constructive. Being overly authoritative, confrontational, and closed-minded when making a correction will only serve to make you look pretentious and condescending. For tips on how to give credit to others rather than just to yourself, keep reading! We are incorporating it.”, For example, don’t say, “I. After looking on other answers I saw the recommendation to “match vocabulary” with the person you’re talking to, but I’m not sure I can … and this article is excellent in helping me do just that. It means having a clear head and enough confidence to defend yourself against someone. Recall your own introduction to the topic or skill you are explaining and how long it took to reach your current level of understanding. (If your manager speaks to you condescendingly because of your race or gender or other protected characteristic, then that could be illegal discrimination, but if they’re just generally condescending, it's legal. the. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffboss/2015/03/01/13-habits-of-humble-people/#479aebf45d37, https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/envy/201212/condescension-is-manifest-envy, https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/scicurious-brain/the-superiority-illusion-where-everyone-is-above-average/, http://www.success.com/article/do-these-6-things-to-be-more-humble, http://www.woodassociates.net/rap/search/pdf/rapdecember200511_21.pdf, http://www.scienceofpeople.com/2013/07/body-language-that-says-im-better-than-you/, http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/bored_body.htm, Smettere di Essere una Persona Condiscendente, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, For example, "So what you are saying is that by being a vegetarian you are also being environmentally conscious. See. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Hey, we all have feelings, and it’s never easy to be told we’re wrong. Sure, you’re probably great at … interact. After all, these physical cues can often say a lot more than your actual words. I have recently been informed that oftentimes I come off (unintentionally) as condescending. If you don’t give them the satisfaction of knowing that they have irritated you, they might simply stop being condescending. Being straightforward doesn’t have to be rude, and if done right, it won’t be. I’d be happy to show you how we were able to work that out.”. The question is about how to deal with someone who is being condescending to you.